“All change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and so gorgeous at the end.” – Robin Sharma
We’re deep into a home renovation project, and I’m finding it incredibly stressful.
We’re in the messy middle part—you know, the phase where the initial excitement of starting the project has faded, but the dreamy, Instagram-perfect finish line is still out of reach.
You begin full of enthusiasm and energy, but soon stumble into a complex, confusing mess.
Sounds familiar?
Welcome to the messy middle.
This phase has made me realise how much I struggle with transformations, both in DIY projects and personal growth.
I remember being in the midst of PND, desperately wanting to get better. I could see the end goal: a happy, vibrant me. But it felt so far away, and I couldn’t bypass the process of healing, growth, and evolution.
I longed to reach that beautiful end, clinging to the idea of the future during the messy middle.
It’s the anticipation of the end state—in this case, a stunning laundry room—that keeps me going, even now as I sweep away dust, pick up supplies, and brace for more mess.
All transformations have this messy middle.
Change is hard, whether you’re remodeling your home or renovating your life.
Every change requires getting messy, trusting in God and the process and being patient through the necessary steps to reach the other side.
Change isn’t without doubt, regret, and grief—even when it’s a change we desire. We still have to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new.
Where are you in the process?
- Are you still in the ‘before’?
- Have you begun the process of transformation and feel overwhelmed in the mess? Stepping over remnants of your former life, unsure what’s next?
- Are you in the messy middle, wondering when it will ever end? When will life return to normal and the dust settle?
- Or, have you experienced the “big reveal”?
No matter where you are in the journey, remember that change is a process.
From my heart to yours,
Rupinder