Kelly Rogers

My “middle” has been about leaving and coming back to me at multiple intersections over the last two years. My job took over my life in some amazing ways, to the point where I did not have time to write anymore. I reached the highest level of my career yet, and then what was needed from me changed suddenly as 2025 drew to a close. It felt like a fall, and now I am at a career intersection again, and this is okay. I know me, and I know what I can do. It is just deciding what I would like to do. I have already decided that writing again is a part of the plan, so here I am.

I have also been at an intersection with my children. Two of the three are now adults needing me to show up in new ways. I can’t hold their hands through everything, but I can’t let go either by their choice and mine. My third is quickly proceeding through high school. I am still a cheer mom and a band mom, including a Big Ten university band. This middle has me fully committed to supporting my kids’ activities as their biggest fan and booster while knowing that my days being needed in this way are sunsetting. I know me, and I know we will find new ways of togetherness which just might be a little more relaxing for me.

The last middle is the hardest to talk about. My mind tells me that my body can still do all the things. My menopausal body disagrees. I put on extra pounds, and I lost all energy. My confidence took a hit as my waistlines grew tight. I’ve never had this problem. I am ashamed about feeling bad knowing others have struggled with this much longer than me. Over the past two months I have been fighting back, changing the way I eat, drink, and move. It is working, but this is the hardest middle to manage. I know me, and I know my body is meant to be different now. Healthy is going to look different. I will find the intersection of feeling good while not being obsessed about my size. On a positive note, I actually need a good bra now! It’s not all bad, and I have a husband who has been the best support system as I navigate this.

For the most part, I love these middles and how they have brought me back to my writing and reading passion. I am well beyond the years of letting what others think define me. I apologize less, and I see the truth of situations rapidly and respond appropriately because I have wisdom. I’m ready for more middles. I know me.