Why Being in the Middle is a Powerful Place to Be

The View from the Middle

If you had asked me a few years ago where I thought I’d be today, I would’ve probably told you “on the other side of 40 and rocking my career!” — doing what exactly? I’m not sure. I knew I wanted to teach, but I had no clue just how far my ambition and passion would take me - I still haven’t made it to the destination, or figured out exactly where the road is taking me. For now, I’m firmly in the middle — and to my utter shock, I haven’t crashed out.

Quite the opposite, I’ve found the middle is a powerful place to be.

In the Middle of Teaching and Leading

Professionally, I am doing the most — and by that, I mean I’m somewhere between planning lessons and participating on the school improvement committee. 

Some days, I’m reminding students to put their phones away (again). Other days, I’m helping teachers navigate new tech, explore new programs, or deliver PD—like I’ve got it all figured out. Spoiler alert: I don’t... but I’m learning.

Being in the middle of teaching and leadership gives me a unique seat at the table—or better yet, has me standing between two tables, juggling plates like it’s 3 p.m. on Easter and everybody's asking for a ham sample. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it. It’s where I get to advocate for both students and teachers, understanding the heart and the system of education.

In the Middle of Motherhood

At home, I’m parenting across the spectrum—coaching my young adults on paying bills and making life decisions, while also helping my younger kids with school projects that somehow always require more supplies than I ever seem to have on hand, no matter how often I restock.

This middle space has me asking one child about their career goals and another if they remembered to put on deodorant (because, good lord, preteens smell). Parenting a 22-year-old and a 10-year-old—plus an 18-year-old and a 14-year-old thrown in the mix for fun—is both hilarious and humbling. But honestly, it’s the most rewarding work of my life.

The wisdom I’ve gained from raising older kids helps me be a more grounded role model for the younger ones. And moments like watching my babies sing karaoke in the living room remind me that sometimes, life is just about pressing pause, soaking it all in, and feeling grateful for right now.

In the Middle of Life Stuff

Health stuff? Yep, I’m there too. Caught in that strange space between “I’m good” and “why is my eye twitching and my knee on fire?” And why does my ankle feel as stable as a toddler’s every morning when I get out of bed? Ah yes, the good ole forties. Or is it?? Never mind—I’ll deal with that later.

It’s not easy navigating life when your body starts sending mixed signals, but the middle has taught me something valuable: patience. Or at least, patience in progress. I’m learning to take a few deep breaths, put down my phone, and resist Googling every twinge and ache if I want to sleep at night.

More importantly, I’m learning to give myself the same grace I offer everyone else. Because let’s be real—I don’t have it all together. Not even close. And that’s okay.

If you find yourself, like me, in a season of transition—stretched between roles, responsibilities, or just holding it all together with caffeine and sticky notes—I hope you remember this: the middle isn’t the problem. It’s part of the story.

So stay awhile. You might just learn to love it too.