When we encounter a crisis, there is often an arc of emotion that follows. Initially, we are energized to respond to immediate needs, our anxiety and agitation serving as momentum to quickly react and survive. Once the acute danger passes or the crisis continues as a more plateaued existence, our mood morphs into a lower energy, low motivation phase.
In this stage, we enter the Icky Middle. We aren’t yet feeling comfortable or safe enough to make changes to our situation or take reasonable risk that may provide novelty or growth. We are conservative in our movements and actions despite feeling unsatisfied with the status quo. The Icky Middle knows we don’t like our situation, but we feel unsure about how to proceed or averse to the options presented to us. The only way to make it through the Icky Middle is to trust that the phase of orientation to the future will be next.
In the final stage of the crisis arc, we experience clarity of direction, purpose and goals. We feel we have the resources behind us to take action on those goals. This becomes a period of growth.
I know we all feel immersed in the Icky Middle right now. Unfortunately, there isn’t a timeline for how long this lasts. But we know the Orientation to the Future is coming. Growth is coming. And we must take care of ourselves now so that we can rise to the moment then.