In the Middle of Everything

A Feeling of Spirit, Not a Temporal Place

As time goes on, we gain awareness that life exists as the space between its beginning and its end. What truly matters, however, is what we choose to craft within that interval: this “in-between” is not just a straight line—it’s a road filled with unexpected turns, insights, and trials, all woven together.

In the middle ground, we start to realize that actions may be resourceful, yet without purpose, they become nothing more than hollow motions. We discover that feelings devoid of meaning or emotional depth fade into oblivion, while those infused with intention leave a lasting impact.

We attain an appreciation for the true nature of time and recognize that while youth brims with energy and vitality, it is through maturity that wisdom, slowly but surely, blooms—if we are brave enough to learn from our missteps.

We open our eyes to reflection, and revisiting the hidden layers of our soul—no matter how intimidating—becomes the greatest adventure. By confronting our concerns, we find a way to turn turbulent storms into soothing winds that hold the power to set us free.

Along the way, we come to understand that much of our suffering is rooted in the stories we create in our minds, rather than in the reality around us. We grasp a deeper sense of how love is less about expectations or control and more about the process of growth—both within ourselves and in our relationships with others.

We experience that taking risks, even without guarantees, can lead to immense value, though the art of choosing which risks to take remains elusive for many, myself included at times.

In due course, we assimilate many things, but most importantly, that haste is the enemy of depth. Distant places may impress us, but finding comfort in our own spaces is the truest wealth. Human will, so often irrational, tends to triumph over reason—and perhaps that’s the essence of what makes life so captivating.

As we face our challenges, we begin to notice that it requires a unique, raw honesty with ourselves. The first step toward healing is seeing beyond our narrow perspective. Doubt will always linger with each decision; yet, as time passes, we realize that we don’t need to have all the answers to keep moving forward.

We grow to believe that moments of absence—whether of love, kindness, or connection—equip us to engage with life’s untamed heartbeat. It is amid the “in-between” that we comprehend we are still alive, and living with truth, matter-of-factly, becomes an act of defiance.

We grasp the secrets we hold from ourselves, internal codes that only self-observation can unlock—and in doing so, we discern that drifting through life without vulnerability betrays what is most sacred: our own existence.

We develop the perception that the very elements exposing us to the world can also serve as shields. Writing, for instance, both reveals and conceals: it enables us to share what lies within while simultaneously guarding our inner spirit, weaving a stream of consciousness and symbolism where each layer whispers the unsaid. Feelings, too, operate in a paradoxical way. Like mist, they both unveil and obscure—offering moments of clarity yet occasionally distorting the full picture.

We get in touch with this fluid shift, like a passing breeze, which stirs the edges of our minds and gradually shapes the unseen currents of our days. Thus, we witness the transition taking form midway, right before our eyes.

We acquire skills, such as understanding that devotedly empathizing with another person’s pain requires more than mere sensitivity; it calls for, above all, profound humility. Choosing happiness, even amidst hardship, is a courageous act. Small gestures and experiences can transport us to a state of pure joy: a warm word, a breathtaking victory, a resplendent piece of art, a genuine expression of love.

We cultivate important teachings, such as acting with integrity in a global environment that often pulls us in the opposite direction—a revolutionary route to pursue. More than reacting to external stimuli, behaving with conviction is what keeps us grounded. There is no avoiding it—life relentlessly pushes us onward. Comparing ourselves to others, however, is the quickest way to lose sight of our own worth. Real peace emerges from authenticity, and aligning what we think, feel, and do is a challenge that takes a lifetime to master.

We decipher that giving up and walking away may seem like twins born of defeat, yet their essence is distinct. Giving up is a surrender to the belief that the task is beyond you—that your strength, aptitude, or tenacity will never be enough. It’s anchored in doubt, often clouded by fear or exhaustion. Walking away, though, stems from lucidity—a recognition that your effort, however valiant, cannot change the outcome. It’s not weakness but prudence, an act of self-preservation that honors the fight but knows when to lay down the sword. In both, there is a quiet bravery: in admitting limits and in directing your energy toward where it can actually make an impact.

Ultimately, we uncover the knowledge that “almost” can be one of the cruelest words, embodying the unfulfilled potential of what could have been. We learn that those who care will undoubtedly encounter the right moment to express it, regardless of how intricate life may present itself. We accept that conveying our truth invites the risk of judgment from others, but staying silent commonly leaves us with the far greater burden of self-criticism.

We aim to foster the seed of confidence within ourselves, comprehending that stepping out of our secure zone demands faith—faith that, in the event that things don’t go as planned, we’ll still find ourselves in a better setting than where we were before. Throughout this endeavor, we assimilate that even when something is sought with earnestness, balance may not always come promptly. Sincere reciprocity on many occasions arises from generosity, free of expectations. It rests on the certainty that what is given with good intent will circle back in time—perhaps not from the same source, but from life itself.

We embrace that love, much like water, carries a subtle yet unyielding insight. Its power lies in its persistence and its ability to adapt while remaining true to its core. Just as water can be a gentle stream or a roaring wave, love, too, can manifest softly or flow with significant force, inevitably finding its course.

In the end, we conclude that home is not a fixed place but a state of being: a middle ground where everything valuable takes root and thrives, under the nurturing light of tenderness and resolve. The spark of a dream can, indeed, encompass the breadth of a lifetime.

At the heart of the in-betwixt, all possibilities unfold. It is there that we stop merely existing and begin, truly, to live.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a Merry Christmas!

With love,

Thaíssa Lara