We often live life on autopilot.
We repeat the same routines, stick to the same beliefs, and follow the same patterns—not because they’re working, but because they’re familiar.
We tell ourselves this is just how we are.
We find comfort in the certainty of always and never.
But here’s the thing—certainty doesn’t always lead to progress.
I’ve written before about living in the gray, the in-between.
It’s in that space where change actually happens.
Where new ideas take root.
Where we make space for growth and possibility.
The middle is where transformation begins.
The Trap of Always and Never
Before I walked the path I’m on now, I was all about the extremes.
Always. Never.
I thought I knew what was best for me and I wasn’t interested in hearing otherwise.
I wasn’t happy—but I also wasn’t willing to change.
I stayed stuck. I stayed sick.
And I kept doing the same things over and over, expecting different results.
That wasn’t just frustrating—it was exhausting.
But it was also a product of my mindset.
I was clinging to always and never like a shield, and it was keeping me from moving forward.
The Power of Maybe
Everything began to shift when I allowed just a little room for maybe.
Maybe there’s another way.
Maybe I don’t know everything.
Maybe if I try something different, I’ll get a different result.
Recovery taught me that change only comes when you’re open to it.
I had to let go of the way I had always done things and be willing to try something new.
Was it uncomfortable? Yes.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.
Not everything I tried worked.
But trying was the point.
There were lessons in the failure—and confidence in the attempt.
Even now, I catch myself falling into that never mindset.
But I’ve learned to challenge it.
Because the best things in my life today?
They came from saying yes to something new.
From living in the middle.
From staying open.
Let Go of What’s Holding You Back
Stubbornness might feel like safety, but it often blocks growth.
It keeps us locked in patterns that no longer serve us.
It makes life smaller.
Living between always and never invites in the unknown—and yes, that can be scary.
But it also makes space for beauty, surprise, connection, and healing.
There’s a whole world you haven’t tried yet.
New waters to wade into.
New experiences that could change everything.
You’ll never know how warm the water is unless you take the first step in.
SLAY Reflection: Are You Open to the Middle?
- Do you tend to stick to the way you’ve always done things?
What impact has that had on your life? - Have you ever said no to something new—and later regretted it?
What was the opportunity, and what did you learn? - What parts of your life would you like to see change?
Are you willing to try something different to make that happen? - What are some small ways you could move away from always and never?
How could you make room for maybe or I’ll try? - What’s one thing you can say yes to today that pushes you out of your comfort zone?
What could open up if you did?
Call to Action: Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one moment in your life when saying “maybe” instead of “never” led to something unexpected—or even life-changing?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.
And if you know someone who’s stuck in patterns that aren’t serving them, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.
