Liminality: The Space Between Helps Us Find Purpose in Midlife
- Terri Seydel
- Oct 17, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 3
Summary: Liminality is a phase in life where everything feels uncertain—when you’re no longer who you were, but not yet who you’re meant to be. It’s unsettling, but it’s also where transformation begins. For many in midlife, this period offers a chance to pause, reflect, and redefine well-being. Instead of rushing past the discomfort, what if you embraced it as a gateway to a more authentic, thriving life? Dive into this post to explore how embracing life’s uncertainties can lead to a richer, more fulfilling sense of well-being and a life that’s not just about getting by but about truly thriving.
We often think of life as a series of milestones—a steady line connecting one significant moment to the next. But what about the spaces in between? The times when you're not quite sure where you're heading or even who you're becoming? That in-between space is called liminality.
Limitality: describes the transition between what was and what will be—a space that can feel uncertain, uncomfortable, and even unsettling. But it's also a space where you hold the power to transform.
Liminality is where you face the truth about your life. It's where you're no longer who you were, but you're not yet who you're becoming. And for many of us, that's precisely where we find ourselves in midlife. It's a stage that presents us with the opportunity to question what's truly important and, ultimately, redefine what well-being means for us and find a renewed sense of purpose in midlife.
This period often brings a sense of restlessness—a desire for reinvention, for something deeper and more fulfilling. It can be disorienting, as old patterns no longer fit, and the future isn't clear. But it's important to remember that rather than rushing through this phase, there's value in leaning into it. It's okay to feel this way.
The Space Between .. Finding your Life's Purpose
There’s a reason why many people feel a sense of restlessness in midlife. It’s a period that
often makes us aware of the passing of time, and with that awareness comes the urge to reflect. For some, this feels like a crisis; for others, it is a chance for reinvention. But no matter how it manifests, liminality is a powerful place. It's where we confront what isn't working, face our own fears and doubts, and ultimately start shaping a more authentic life.
And it’s not easy. Liminality can be disorienting. The old patterns that guided you may no longer fit, and the future isn’t clear yet. But instead of rushing through this phase, this is your chance to pause and ask yourself, "What does well-being look like for me now?" Because it's not just about health; it's about finding alignment—body, mind, and spirit. It’s where you take a breath, shed the layers of who you think you should be, and get honest about who you are and where you’re going.
Embracing the Journey
Liminality is an invitation, not a curse. It asks you to sit with uncertainty, to explore the unknown, and let go of what's no longer working. But there's power in that discomfort. It's a signal that something needs to change, and that change can be the gateway to a deeper, more authentic sense of well-being.
We often think of well-being as something you can plan, measure, and control. But the truth is, sometimes the most profound shifts come when you let go of the need for control and allow yourself to navigate the in-between. That’s where you find the courage to make real changes—whether it’s in your career, your relationships, or your mindset.
Redefining Well-Being
The beauty of liminality is that it forces you to get honest and stop numbing yourself with busyness and distractions. It offers the chance to face the questions you've been avoiding. Are you living a life that feels fulfilling? Are you genuinely thriving or just getting by? These are tough questions, but they're the ones that lead to real transformation.
In this in-between space, well-being becomes more than a checklist of habits or goals. It’s about peeling away what no longer serves you and discovering what makes you feel alive. It’s about redefining your purpose and aligning your life around that newfound clarity.
Reimagining Your Purpose in Midlife
Sometimes, we cling to old versions of ourselves because they’re familiar, even if they no longer serve us. (I have absolutely been guilty of this!) We might continue in a career that no longer excites us, stay in relationships that don’t fulfill us, or avoid new experiences because we’re afraid of change. But liminality invites us to let go of the familiar and step into the unknown.
This is where true transformation happens. It’s not about rushing to find the next goal or achievement; it’s about leaning into the discomfort of uncertainty and trusting that there’s more on the other side. It’s about asking yourself, “If I’m not defined by my past choices, who do I want to be moving forward?”
Finding Strength in the Space Between
In midlife, many of us are navigating this space—grappling with questions about meaning, fulfillment, and what comes next. It’s natural to feel a sense of urgency, but there’s also strength in acknowledging where you are without rushing to the other side. This is where you gather the tools, insights, and courage to shape a new path.
Liminality isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about being willing to explore the unknown, to sit with the discomfort of not having all the answers, and to trust that the journey will reveal them in time.
So, if you’re in that in-between space, know this: you’re not alone. It’s okay to question, to feel restless, and to seek something more. Embrace this time as a chance to listen to your own inner voice—what it’s been trying to tell you all along. That’s where your new purpose begins to take shape.
The Path to a Thriving Life: Finding Purpose in Midlife
In midlife, the stakes feel higher. We're more aware of time, of what's been gained and what's been lost. But that awareness also brings an opportunity—to redefine what a thriving life looks like. It's not about clinging to old goals that no longer inspire you. It's about using this liminal space as a reset button, a chance to realign with what truly matters.
If you’re feeling unsettled right now, lean into it. That discomfort is your signal to pay attention. It’s the universe giving you a nudge, saying, “There’s more for you here.” Well-being isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about feeling whole. And sometimes, the path to wholeness starts by stepping into the unknown and trusting that the journey will lead you where you need to be.
The Beauty of Becoming
Liminality teaches us that there's beauty in becoming, not just in being. It's the process of unfolding, of peeling back the layers to reveal what lies beneath. It's not always neat and rarely happens on a schedule, but that's what makes it real.
It’s also a place where you reclaim your freedom—the freedom to rethink, to explore, and to redefine. It’s not about rushing to the next chapter; it’s about understanding what you want the next chapter to be.
So, take a breath. Embrace the space between. Use it as your gateway to well-being, not just as a pause but as a powerful pivot toward a life that feels authentic, aligned, and alive.
You might not have all the answers yet, and that’s okay. This space isn’t a void; it’s a doorway. Step through and see where it leads.
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