middle moments: the space between

Life moves fast, with endless notifications and the constant juggling act of work, family, and self-care. It’s no wonder we often feel like we’re stuck in reactive mode. Someone snaps at us in a meeting, or we’re scrolling through social media only to feel that familiar ick of comparison. Before realizing it, we’ve already reacted in ways that leave us feeling drained or stuck.

But Viktor Frankl’s words offer a different perspective on the challenges we face today:

“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space, we have the power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” (Frankl, 2006)

This “space” Frankl describes is what I call a middle moment—the pause between what happens and how we react. It’s where we reclaim our power, even during busy days and high-pressure situations. Middle moments are the antidote to living on autopilot, helping us shift from reactive to intentional.

Wellness practices like emotional regulation, mindfulness, and resilience building are more important than ever. These concepts are all about learning to navigate the middle moments. When we pause a few seconds before reacting—to breathe, reflect, and check in with ourselves—we create the possibility of a different outcome. Instead of snapping, withdrawing, or overthinking, we can respond in ways that align with our values and goals.

For many of us, those goals involve fostering deeper connections, avoiding burnout, and maintaining balance amid chaos. Mindfulness helps us create space to notice what’s happening internally and externally. Existentialism reminds us that these small, everyday choices give our lives meaning. The middle moment, however brief, is where growth happens.

So, how do we find these middle moments in our everyday lives? It might look like pausing to take a deep breath before replying to that frustrating email, sitting with the discomfort of a tough conversation instead of rushing to defend yourself, or putting down your phone during your evening wind-down to spend five uninterrupted minutes journaling or meditating.

These moments of awareness can feel small, but their impact is significant. They allow us to choose responses that align with our long-term wellness—emotionally, mentally, and physically. Practicing this regularly builds resilience, creates stronger relationships, and allows us to find greater fulfillment in our daily lives.

In a world always asking for more, we take back control in the middle moments. They’re where we choose how to show up, grow through the challenges, and create a life of intention, freedom, and balance.


Written by Marcus Carter.

References

Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man’s search for meaning. Beacon Press.

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