When was the last time you had a magpie land on your head?

It happened to me last Fall, when the black-and-white bird known for being bold, curious, and a little mischievous paid me a visit. It wasn’t shy about swooping in, grabbing attention, and causing a bit of chaos.

I don’t know why, but it chose me:

I first saw it (Oh, how cute!)

It fluttered (wow, look at that!)

And suddenly landed on my head (surprise!)

And stayed there (hey!)

I brushed it away and it insisted (really?)

So we found a compromise and it perched on my ankle (oof)

But that wasn't enough (darn!)

I got nipped, hand and arm (OUCH)

So, I retreated indoors. We spied each other through the glass door. Problem solved? Not really. Because beyond the glass door was everything I wanted: a hammock, benches, and a fig tree heavy with fruit—the joys of a bucolic garden, all now uncomfortably out of reach.

How many metaphorical magpies are ready to pounce, distract, nab, and elicit the voices that get in the way of where we want to be?

The “Messy Middle” of Life-phase Transitions

During transitions—whether it’s shifting careers, redefining relationships, or rediscovering personal purpose—the “magpies” show up. They distract, frustrate, and sometimes even hurt. Experts call this phase the or “the : the space between an ending and a new beginning. Doubts and negative thoughts abound.

The messy middle is where:

   ● The path forward feels foggy, full of indecision and confusion

   ● Every option comes with doubt or criticism.

   ● You keep busy to avoid sitting with uncertainty and ambivalence.

We often want to rush past this phase, but pushing it away can leave us feeling stuck—like I was, behind the glass door, comfortable but disconnected from what I longed for.

What If the Mess Is the Magic?

Once we have the courage to throw open the glass door, the “messy middle” becomes fertile ground. Finding the magic in the mess allows you to:

   ● Recharge: You gain space to experiment and try new ideas.

   ● Create: Not knowing becomes a source of imagination.

   ● Grow: You discover new parts of yourself and build resilience.

The magpies may not vanish, but they lose their power.

Eventually, I made it back to the hammock. I enjoyed the figs. And yes, I knew the magpie was still there—but it no longer controlled me.

Overcoming Life-phase Challenges

Transitions are rarely neat or linear. But often when we embrace the chaos rather than protecting ourselves against it, we open ourselves to creativity, courage, and growth.

If you find yourself in a “messy middle,” know this: the magpies may still swoop and peck, but they don’t have to steal your joy.

Safe journeys, Allyson

Coach with Allyson, ithrive31 Life Transition Coach

   ● Create clarity when the path forward feels uncertain.

   ● Build confidence to quiet the inner critic and trust your next steps.

   ● Turn transition into transformation by uncovering opportunities for growth, creativity, and renewal.