Life in the so-called “messy middle” is real. It’s that peculiar phase where everything you’ve been doing to juggle life, work, family, and just existing seems to collide—and your body and mind throw up their hands in protest. For me, it showed up as a feeling of discontent. A “wake-up call” the realisation that I’d stumbled into “Sniper Alley” and the realisations that come to meet you in the "Alley"
I remember laughing with a friend about how entering your 50s should come with a warning label and a welcome drink. Everything starts to feel a bit… off. You push through—because we’re good at that, right? You brush it off, go to work, help the family, show up for friends, and keep moving. But eventually, you notice you’re running on autopilot and that glass of wine or comfy blanket isn’t doing the trick anymore.
So I started having those deeper conversations with others—turns out many of us are standing knee-deep in the messy middle too. We’re surrounded by wellness trends, spa ads, protein shakes, collagen powders, and endless advice, but what we’re really craving is something a little more grounded: connection, creativity, and maybe a bit of joy!
Here’s where it happened for me.
One day, I wandered into the craft aisle (you know the one—buttons, stickers, paint-by-numbers kits!). I was suddenly hit by the urge to just create something. Anything. I wasn’t after a masterpiece. I just wanted to do something for me. So I bought myself a paint-by-numbers frog.
Yes, a frog!
Each night, I’d sit down with my paints, no expectations, just matching numbers to colours and watching something slowly take shape. It was oddly magical. My mind softened and was quiet, and something inside me exhaled a silent sigh of relief and contentment. I kept going. It became a ritual. A reset. A space I had to reserve just for myself, my time, my investment in myself.
Eventually, my frog emerged from the numbers and squares! There he was, staring back at me as I had craftfully obeyed the numbers and lines and applied the right colour combinations - All Mine - My Adorable Frog! I hung my colourful frog on the wall - proud of myself. It’s my moment of knowing that this painting of my 'Sir Hop A Lot' is my leap into something deeper—a return to my creative self. A reminder that even in the chaos, there’s room for colour, curiosity, and a dash of whimsy.
So if you’re in that strange stretch of life where the mirror feels unfamiliar or your spark’s a bit dim… maybe it’s time for your version of the frog. Maybe it’s a holiday, a new project, a class, or simply a quiet adventure in your own home. Paint something. Bake something. Plant something. Learn something. Dance to your favourite playlist in your kitchen! Just do it.
The point is: don’t wait for perfect conditions. Just start. Find your “purchase moment” (like I did with the frog). Try something that lights you up inside.
Because this messy middle? It’s not an end. It’s the in-between where something beautiful begins. My frog somehow reflects and represents a lot more than the paint and time I put it into it. So much more ...
"My Leap Of Faith"
Here we are—me and the frog "Sir Hops-A-Lot", who started it all. A small moment, a tiny brushstroke, and a big reminder that joy lives in the doing. My quirky companion on the path back to my true self.
Thanks for reading.
If you’re wandering through your own messy middle, I hope this little story nudges you to pick up a brush, try a class, or simply follow your curiosity. Creativity isn’t just for the talented—it’s for the tired, the hopeful, the healing, and the wondering.
I’ll be back soon with more colour and life from my side of the paintbrush.
In the meantime, go gently—and don’t forget to find your frog! Just keep adding little bits of colour where you can!
Warmest Regards
Nicky x
#Waikanae Paper Artist
#ThePaperCraftStudio
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Next Time - "Sniper Alley To Creative Calm"