The Neutral Zone: How to Navigate Life’s In-Between with Clarity and Strength

Change in today’s world feels relentless. Transitions are announced suddenly, and we are expected to adapt instantly—without time to process the loss or emotions that come with it. Yet within these in-between moments lies an often-overlooked power: the opportunity for reflection, healing, and profound transformation.

If you’ve ever felt lost, uncertain, or stripped of your identity during a change, you are not alone. This stage—sometimes called the neutral zone or liminal space—is uncomfortable, yet it is the very place where your deepest growth begins.

In today’s world, change happens so quickly. Transitions are announced, and instantly we are asked to shift and accommodate. No one bothers to acknowledge the feelings of loss that are felt in recognition of that change.

Perhaps you worked on an amazing team in one of the country’s leading banks. The team worked together, thrived, and on occasion socialized at after-hour team-building events. You can’t recall enjoying work as much as you do. You then begin to hear rumors of changes coming. Some of the brightest professionals on the team begin to leave for other opportunities. You are saddened and confused. Should you look elsewhere? Why did things have to change? You miss your colleagues who have left and you begin to question your role. Is it safe? Part of you is upset and you don’t even know why.

The first round of layoffs is announced. Colleagues receive an email letting them know their position is being eliminated. There is a feeling of panic, a combination of relief and guilt for those left behind. Then there is anger. Why does this have to happen? Does the company not make enough money already? Why break up what was working?

You are reminded that even the most beautiful moments and connections are challenged and come to an end. Some of these individuals you thought were so close suddenly are no longer part of your life. The loss, disappointment, and listlessness are real. No one prepares us for this and the organization often doesn’t provide support for the employees left behind. The work is divided among those who remain along with the narrative that you are one of the lucky ones still employed. Somehow that message doesn’t resonate and you are left to manage it all.

Those who are laid off face a host of unexpected challenges, including a loss of identity and the need to quickly assimilate this change in status.

The Neutral Zone: Where Transformation Begins

In transition, the neutral zone—as referred to by William Bridges—or liminality, as noted by Arnold van Gennep in his book The Rites of Passage—is the stage where the individual is no longer in their old world but has not yet entered the new one.

This phase is often characterized by ambiguity and a lack of social status. The individual may be stripped of their previous markers of identity and live in a state of suspended existence. Yet this is also a time for deep introspection, learning, and processing.

In Native American traditions, to support their community members through liminal phases, a person would be invited to spend time in solitude, in nature, to seek guidance from spirit. This powerful time in isolation and fasting prepared them for their new role or phase in life. Often separated from their community and family, they were offered support by elders who passed on their knowledge, skills, and values. This allowed the individual to prepare for the responsibilities that lay ahead in their new role and helped ensure that cultural traditions were preserved.

The liminal phase—or neutral zone—creates space for a person to psychologically process change. During this time, they let go of their old identity and begin embracing the challenges and opportunities of their new one. It is essential for the individual to know they are not alone in this process and that the community values their transformation.

My Own Transition Story

Understanding this essential stage and the importance of giving ourselves time to reflect and navigate all that arises—whether it is grief, loss, or ambiguity—is something I came to know deeply in my own life.

I remember when I was in a work transition. Departing that workplace was necessary, but unlike other transitions, I didn’t have another role to step into. I was fearful, as I had just bought a new home. How would I manage? I was filled with fear and anxiety. My labor lawyer’s words of comfort—that I would land on my feet—seemed like a whisper compared to the worry in my mind.

I isolated myself and grew depressed. I recall being invited to a Christmas party and someone asking me what I did for a living. I responded that I was “in work transition.” Silence followed, and the person promptly moved on. It was uncomfortable, and for the first time, I knew what my career counseling clients felt when they faced similar questions.

This stage of isolation, despite the immense pain it caused, helped me to let go of societal expectations and the narrative that I had nothing to contribute without a title. I was able to grieve who I was—the professional and the status—and come to see that I had qualities, attributes, and experiences that no one on this planet could take away from me.

Let me tell you, it took me going to rock bottom emotionally to see it. But it was worth it. Once you no longer measure your value and worth by external validation or the illusion of titles, you become the true master of your life.

Embracing Your Own Transition

So for those of you going through challenging times—perhaps a work transition, a painful separation, the uncertainty of divorce, or a move that brings fear and anxiety—know this: this is not the end.

It is a phase in the process that opens opportunities and reveals a version of you that you could never have imagined.

Transitions are not just endings. They are sacred thresholds, a bridge between who you were and who you are becoming. When honored with reflection, support, and care, they can be the very path that leads you into your most authentic life.

🌱 5 Helpful Tips for Navigating the Neutral Zone

When you find yourself in the neutral zone—the in-between where the old has ended but the new hasn’t fully begun—it helps to have gentle practices that bring clarity and grounding. Here are some ways to support yourself during this powerful time:

1. Journal Your Feelings and Reflections Write freely about what has changed, the losses you feel, and the emotions that are surfacing. Then, ask yourself: What opportunity might this change be creating for me? This practice helps release what you are holding and makes room for new insights.

2. Spend Time in Solitude Just as ancient traditions honored silence and nature during transitions, give yourself moments of solitude. Step away from the noise, walk in nature, meditate, or simply sit quietly. In this space, wisdom often arises that cannot be heard in the busyness of daily life.

3. Redefine Your Next Chapter Use this pause to make choices not from fear, but from alignment with the life you want to create. Ask yourself: What decisions will honor the new version of me that is emerging? The neutral zone is fertile ground for new beginnings.

4. Seek Support and Connection Though solitude is important, you don’t have to do this alone. Speak with trusted friends, mentors, or a coach who can hold a safe space for your process. Sharing your experience allows you to feel seen, heard, and supported.

5. Honor Your Progress Every step, no matter how small, is movement through the threshold. Celebrate your courage in letting go of the old, and trust that this phase—though uncomfortable—is shaping a stronger, wiser, and more authentic version of you.

   
   

✨ If you are navigating a transition and would like compassionate support, I invite you to explore coaching with me. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can process this stage of change with grace, clarity, and care—so you can move forward grounded, empowered, and ready for what comes next.