The Sacred Messy Middle: How to Hold On When You’re So Close to Your Breakthrough

There’s a quiet, uncomfortable place on the path to your dreams that nobody really prepares you for:

The middle.

It’s not the exciting beginning when everything feels fresh, bold, and possible.

And it’s not the glorious arrival, when the vision has finally manifested into reality.

It’s the space in between — where plans start shifting, doubt creeps in, and the way forward feels anything but clear.

Maybe you know this place.

Maybe you’re standing here with me, right now.

If you are, I want you to know: there’s nothing wrong with you.

This space — this slow, heavy, uncertain space — is sacred.

And it’s part of every breakthrough story you admire.

As author bell hooks once said, “When we can see ourselves as we truly are and accept ourselves, we build the necessary foundation for self-love.”

This moment, right here, is part of that self-love. It’s part of building the resilience your dreams require.

Doubt Doesn’t Mean You’re Off Track

When we hit the middle, it’s tempting to think, “Maybe I made a mistake.”

Maybe the dream isn’t meant for me.

Maybe I’m not enough.

But here’s the truth: Doubt is not a sign to quit. It’s a sign you’re growing.

Psychologist and researcher Dr. Thema Bryant reminds us:

“Sometimes the place of doubt is just before the place of destiny. Persist.”

Your discomfort is not a dead end — it’s a crossroads.

You’re being asked: Can you keep showing up for yourself even when the path isn’t paved?

If you can — even imperfectly, even shakily — you are winning.

What to Do When You’re in the Middle

1. Normalize the Feeling.

You are not broken. Every creator, entrepreneur, healer, artist, and visionary you admire has stood in this space of doubt. (They just don’t always post about it.)

2. Nourish Yourself, Not Just Your Goals.

Sometimes pushing harder isn’t the answer.

Sometimes you need to rest, to listen, to let inspiration catch up to you.

Read books by Black women writers who speak life into your soul — like Audre Lorde’s “Sister Outsider” or Tracy Goss’s “The Last Word on Power.”

3. Build a Ritual of Recommitment.

Every morning, take a moment to say aloud:

“I am worthy of my dreams. Even in the waiting. Even in the uncertainty. I am becoming.”

Affirmations aren’t magic spells — they are reminders that anchor your soul in the middle of the storm.

4. Find Safe Spaces.

Connect with other dreamers, healers, and builders who understand this journey.

Consider joining healing circles, entrepreneurial communities, or simply reaching out to a mentor or peer who can hold space for your process.

(Dr. Thema’s podcast, “The Homecoming Podcast,” is a great free resource for emotional support during these seasons.)

Final Word: You Are Closer Than You Think

As Maya Angelou reminds us, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”

The middle is messy. It will test you.

But it will also prepare you.

Right now, even when you can’t see it yet, you are growing the muscles, wisdom, and spirit you’ll need to sustain the blessing that’s coming.

Hold on, love.

Your breakthrough needs you to stay.

You are already becoming exactly who you were created to be 🫶🏾✨

Resources to Support Your Journey:

• The Homecoming Podcast by Dr. Thema Bryant

• “Sister Outsider” by Audre Lorde (Book)

• “The Last Word on Power” by Tracy Goss (Leadership and personal growth)

• Guided meditations on the Liberate App — a meditation app by and for the Black community.