When You Don’t Know How You Feel: Holding Space for the In-Between
Not every feeling fits in a box. If you’re stuck in emotional limbo—not good, not bad—this post offers faith-filled guidance, grace, and support for when you’re not sure how you’re feeling.
There was a season in my life when “How are you?” felt like the hardest question in the world.
Not because I was hiding something. Not because I didn’t want to open up.
But because, honestly… I just didn’t know how I was feeling.
I wasn’t falling apart. But I wasn’t okay, either.
I wasn’t sad. But I definitely wasn’t joyful.
I was just somewhere in the middle—numb, foggy, and unsure how to explain it.
So I did what so many of us do: I said, “I’m fine.”
Not because it was true, but because it was easier than trying to describe something I didn’t fully understand myself.
And if you’re there now—feeling that weird mix of “not okay” and “not broken”—I want to sit beside you and say this: You’re not alone.
What Helped Me in That Space
When I was in that emotionally foggy season, I needed more than advice.
I needed grace. I needed permission to not have it all figured out.
And eventually, I found a few small truths that helped me hold space for myself:
- It’s okay to not have a name for your feelings. God doesn’t need a label to meet you in your struggle. He already knows.
- “I’m fine” doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation. If you don’t know how you feel, just say that. The right people will understand—or at least try to.
- Overthinking doesn’t mean you’re broken. It just means your mind is trying to make sense of something your heart hasn’t caught up to yet.
- You don’t have to wait until it’s “bad enough” to ask for support. You’re allowed to reach out even when things are messy and unclear.
- God is still working—even in the in-between. Just because you can’t see the transformation doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
For the One Who’s Checking In on Others
If someone in your life answers “I’m fine,” don’t assume they are.
Gently ask again. Remind them you’re there.
You don’t need to fix it—just be a safe place for honesty.
Because sometimes, the most healing thing we can hear is:
“You don’t have to pretend with me.”
A Final Word of Grace
If your emotions feel tangled or missing altogether—breathe.
You’re still growing. You’re still becoming.
God is still with you, even here.
There is no shame in the fog.
Just stay honest. Stay soft. And keep going.
You’re not alone. I’m walking this journey too—one layer, one lesson, one story at a time. 💛
