Life in a liminal space has been an unusual and uncertain experience. 

I am currently in a liminal space, perhaps you are too. Mine is a space between two worlds – two lives – who I was before coming out of the closet to live my life authentically and who I will be as an authentic queer person. I see a bridge as a great representation of a liminal space. Nobody goes to a bridge as their destination, but rather passes from one place to another over a space setup for  being transitioned from one place to another.

Liminal spaces are transitional or in-between areas that exist between different states, such as between two rooms, between wakefulness and sleep, or between life and death. They are often associated with feelings of ambiguity, disorientation, and a sense of being suspended between two worlds. I find myself somewhat suspended between two worlds.

Liminal spaces are characterized by a lack of clear boundaries and definitive outcomes. People in these spaces often find themselves in a state of ambiguity, unsure of what lies ahead or how to navigate their surroundings. These transitional spaces can be transformative. They offer an opportunity for personal growth and change as individuals transition from one phase of life to another. The liminal space acts as a threshold where old identities and patterns can be shed, and new ones can emerge.

Being in a liminal space can be disorienting. Without clear markers or familiar structures, individuals may feel a sense of being lost or without direction. The lack of a stable reference point can lead to confusion and anxiety.

In liminal spaces, individuals may become more attuned to their surroundings. The absence of familiar structures and routines can create a heightened sense of perception, making even the smallest details more noticeable.

Although I have read that liminal spaces are often fertile ground for creativity and innovation, I have not felt that in thee past couple of years. Without established norms or expectations, I should feel free to explore new ideas and possibilities, but something seems to be holding me back. I pray for insights and breakthroughs in the new world I have allowed myself to step in to.

One of the hard parts of transitioning is the reality that this kind of liminal space is associated with tremendous periods of waiting. I find myself  in a constant state of anticipation being suspended between different phases of my life. This waiting period has been filled with a mix of hope, impatience, and anxiety.

Although liminal spaces can be uncomfortable and unsettling, I have become convinced they hold tremendous opportunity for personal growth and transformation. I have learned to embrace the uncertainty and challenges of the liminal space, which has developed in me  resilience, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of myself — my ultimate goal when seeking authenticity.

People’s experience of a liminal space can vary greatly depending on their context and individual perspective, but I have found it frightening, but also liberating and full of possibilities. Yes, there have been times where life is disorienting and unsettling, but growth is occurring and I have learned to love myself more than ever before.