April – The Messy Middle
Spring is symbolic for change.
But that always includes The Messy Middle!
ARGHHH!!!! This is the awkward stage of growth, they part we can struggle with because it moves herky-jerky, feels uncomfortable. We test limits and give up prematurely. It’s frustrating and we often crave the familiar. But something keeps us going, keeps our attention with our eye on the prize.
This month, the journal prompts are designed to help you reflect on the messy middle for yourself, for your most cherished relationships, your responsibilities, and even for those who are not necessarily your favorite people.
My hope is that you remember your compassion for the human condition, I mean your compassion for yourself, for those you love the most, and for those who push every button you have and some buttons you didn’t know you had.
Use this month’s prompts to practice any or all of the ways we communicate: visual, verbal or written.
Focus on the process not the results.
·Doodle. Draw. Paint. Make a collage. Take pictures.
·Make a digital presentation with one slide per day.
·Make a video. Record a voice memo.
·Stand in front of the mirror and talk to yourself.
·Write in your journal. Write a blog post.
·Write a letter. Use new words.
·Type it. Voice dictate it.
Amy Callahan
Communication Coach
Navigating change is tough, even when we make the decision for ourselves. I believe that this month’s journal prompts will help you see your own patterns, reveal your values and non-negotiables, and help you decide where to focus any personal or professional development activity.
Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss ways to explore this that suits your learning style, information processing preferences, and desired outcomes. I’d be happy to explore this with you!
You can make a 30-minute appointment with me here.
Being a teenager
Can we think of any other time in our lives that is more awkward? We are growing in odd, inconsistent ways. Our hormones and brain chemicals are making us behave in the strangest of ways. Our friends are aliens or our besties from one moment to the next. It’s a whirlwind experience.
Being in your 20s
We spend a lot of our 20s trying to make sense of our childhood or striving to create a foundation for the rest of our lives. It’s turbulent in so many ways. What events helped smooth it out?
The first year living with someone other than family
What are they doing? That’s not how it’s done! I just need my space! I’m going to scream! Don’t touch my things! This is a very difficult transition in life.
Blending Families
We blend families when we get married, when we commit to a partner. We are package deals. This is a bumpy road trip for sure!
Moving into a new home
This takes time to settle in, to go from boxes piled high to living a daily life. It involves varied customizing and projects. Talk about a mess!
Going to therapy for a long-standing challenge
The coping skills we had as children often do not serve us as adults. We benefit greatly when we learn new ways of dealing with life.
Learning a new sport
As we age, using both sides of our body and brain becomes more challenging! We forget about all those muscles we used freely at 10 years old.
Cleaning another person’s home
It’s not your space. It’s not your grime. Privacy. Get the job done. No judging. Not so easy.
Cleaning out the house of a deceased person
You have to go through everything. EVERYTHING. You have to decide what stays, what goes, and who gets it. And how much time do you have?
The separation after the storm of an argument
This pause can be complete torture or a gift. In either case, it’s uncertain.
Supporting a loved-one through a crisis
A short-term crisis requires you to be the rock, the clear thinker, the loving problem solver. Your needs can often be put on pause.
A new employer with a very different culture
Changing employers can be disappointing and exciting. Every business has it’s own culture. How will you fit in, or not?
Being a friend to a young person who is angry
Young people don’t always understand life’s challenges. And if they are not helped with coping skills, this can easily turn to anger.
Advocating for a friend or family in the hospital
Processing medical information when you’re sick is very difficult. It’s so helpful to have someone decyfer and translate the information.
The learning curve of a new job
What do I do? How? When? What are the systems? Who are the people? WHY DO THEY DO IT THIS WAY?
The first month after training for a new career
Ok, you learned all the things. Now, you gotta do it! All by yourself.
The first 6 months as a boss
Either you’re new or you’re bossing around your former peers. Ugh, Now what?
The first year as a business owner
Talk about ALL. THE. THINGS! Tenacity. Willlingness to ask for help. Long days. Stress about money.
The first year as a kindergarten teacher
25-30 five-year-olds VS You. Who’s gonna win? Did you remember to take your vitamins? How many bunnies do I have to cut out?
Memorizing lines for a play or presentation
Everyone’s relying on you. Relax. Sound naturally. Close the deal. Get the check. No pressure.
Learning a new academic subject
Our older crusty brain isn’t as quick to process. And there’s too much stuff up there. What’s gonna give to make room for the new info?
Pack for a weekend get away with only a backpack
Oh my! Is this possible? Who does this?
Downsizing your home and possessions
Your kids or family don’t want your momentos. They already have all the basics. What do you really need?
Learning to be alone and be healthy
Hmmmm….. first there’s a big reason why you’re alone. Then you have to remember all those good coping skills. This is a lot.
Learning to adapt with a new physical limitation
What do you mean I can’t bend over and put my socks on? Um that’s just basic. Where’s that darn grabber?
Be a caregiver to an adult family member
Watching a loved one’s health decline is painful. Caring for someone who treated you poorly is almost torture. And what happens to your own life?
Pack for living abroad for a year
Do you really need ALL those things?
Adapting to life without your closest friends
Moving away. Falling apart. Death. Doesn’t matter. It’s lonely.
Looking at your garden after a 2-week vacation
I didn’t know weeds could grow that quickly! Oh this is going to take forever.
Learning to cook when you love to bake or vice versa
I don’t measure. I need to measure. How long do I cook it for? Until it’s done. This is confusing.
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