What if the Messy Middle is Where the Growth Happens?

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Blog/Show notes/Life & Faith/What if the Messy Middle is Where the Growth Happens?

🎙 THE ALIGN Reset Series:

🌾G is for Grow:
What If the Messy Middle
Is Where the Growth Happens?

Ever had a week where you wanted to move forward, but it all just felt… messy?

You made the list. You picked the goal. You blocked the time.
And then life happened.
Yeah, me too.
This week on the A Cup of Hope podcast, I’m sharing why the messy middle of growth might actually be where the real transformation happens—and how we can take one small, aligned step forward, even when things feel far from perfect.

🎧 Listen to this episode right here or on your favorite podcast platform:

Episode 10 – A Cup of Hope Podcast

Growth Feels Messy—But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Wrong

I talk a lot about aligned action—choosing rhythms and steps that reflect your values and season. But here’s something I need you to know:

Just because it’s messy doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not good.

For me right now, growth looks like figuring out how to make this podcast sustainable—finding time to record, edit, write, and share it consistently. It’s not just a side project—it’s a calling. But it’s still stretching me.

And your version of growth might look completely different.

Maybe you’re going back to school.
Maybe you’re navigating life after a big transition.
Maybe you’re figuring out how to stretch a tighter budget or rebuild a career.

Whatever it is, if it feels messy—that’s okay. You’re not behind. You’re growing.

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
— James 1:4 (NIV)

📆My Mid-Year Reset: The Power of Pause

For years, I’ve blocked time at the end of the year to reset. But a few years ago, one of my mentors, Kelsa Dickey, hosted a CEO Retreat—a planned, protected time to step away from the noise, look at what’s working, and align with what matters.

I was already doing something similar, but Kelsa’s tools helped me refine it. She encouraged us to start with one annual retreat and work toward quarterly rhythms.

So now, twice a year, I carve out time to reflect. And this month, I’m doing it again.
At the end of June, I’ll step away for a mid-year reset—a day and a half to look back, reflect on what’s shifted, and realign for what’s next.

I don’t just teach rhythms—I live them.
And I believe you deserve space to do the same.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
— Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

Your Micro Move: What Can You Do This Week?

Big goals are exciting—but they can also become overwhelming. That’s why this week, I’m inviting you to take one small, intentional step:

Your Micro Move.

What’s one thing that:

✅You can actually do this week?
✅Aligns with your deeper goals?
✅Builds confidence, not burnout?

Because one aligned Micro Move can help you build toward your Power Priority—the bigger thing that truly matters in this season.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
— Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

🤝 Join the Conversation

Pop into the A Cup of Hope Community and share:

What’s your Micro Move this week? I’d love to hear it and cheer you on.

💛 Want more support?

If this episode stirred something in you, check out the ALIGN Reset Group—a 7-week coaching experience to help you slow down, get clear, and start living intentionally.

🌱 Small group. Safe space. Life-changing tools.
➡️ Join the waitlist at SherryDuShawCoaching.com/ALIGN

🔗 Links & Resources:

Follow along with the ALIGN Reset Journal.

📔Grab your Free Copy Here!

If this episode blessed you, would you take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs encouragement?

💛 Remember: God can take the broken pieces of your story and create something more beautiful than you ever imagined. Until next time, I’m Sherry DuShaw, and this is A Cup of Hope.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sherry walking and holding pink mosaic mug

Hi, I'm Sherry

CEO Of Best Blog Ever

I’m a Life & Money Coach who helps women untangle the chaos of life and money and step into purpose with hope, confidence, and peace. These days, you’ll find me kayaking, being “Mimi,” tackling DIY projects I probably shouldn’t, and chasing big, brave goals (like training for a marathon in my 50s!).

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