The Messy Middle of Growth

Nadine Machkovech
Jun 21
3 min read

Updated: Jun 23

And How We’re Building Our Life Anyway After Moving To Florida

Going all-in on this life we dreamed of is one thing. Staying in it when it gets hard? That’s where the real growth happens.

Because here’s what no one puts in the highlight reels:

⟶ Even when you choose something with your whole heart, there will be moments you question it.

And that’s where we are. The messy, unglamorous, in-between middle.

Moments That Make Us Ask: Why Did We Do This Again?

There have been days when the Florida heat felt quite overwhelming. Like literally dripping sweat in places I never have before. I change my clothes like 3x a day and sometimes shower...twice, lol -- Days when Anthony and I look at each other and think: Who moves right before summer?!

When we first got here, literally EVERY Floridian mentioned "and this isn't even summer yet" when it was like 85 and breezy. Now, it's like 105 and hot. HA. They were right.

There have been nights when parenting felt heavier than usual. When Aidyn’s bedtime became a full-on team effort because we’re both drained from juggling work and toddler life at the same time, in the same space, every day.

Nobody really teaches you how to have two stay-at-home working parents.

There have been moments when Anthony and I weren’t on the same page at all. When the stress would boil over. When one of us needed to walk away, go for a drive, sleep in another room, or just sit in separate spaces for a bit to reset.

Because growing pains? They’re real. And no amount of sunshine or palm trees erases them.

What We’re Doing to Make This Work

So you might be wondering how we're making it work? We're switching up routines and habits, and going back to the basics more often than not. Meaning, good sleep, food, hydration, body movement, and gratitude.

🌱 Time blocking (and re-blocking) — Some days we get it right. Some days we adjust by lunchtime. Which sometimes is at 3pm after A's naptime. But we’re learning what balance actually looks like for us.

🌱 Creating space intentionally — Not waiting for the tension to boil over. Finding small ways to step back and breathe.

🌱 Having the hard conversations — The check-ins, the accountability, the “what do you need from me right now?” moments that help us reset. And then do it again.

🌱 Letting go of perfect — Because perfect doesn’t exist here. Presence does. And that’s what we’re choosing. Sometimes one day, one minute at a time.

Why Sharing This Is Hard (and Important)

Honestly? It’s hard to share all of this because most of my time right now is spent living it. Being present with my son. Showing up in my relationship. Trying to be in this chapter, not just document it.

But I share because I believe we need to see more of this — the real stuff, the messy middle, the growing pains.

->The reminder that no one has it all figured out, and that’s okay.

We’re Building Anyway

So here we are. Not starting over. Building on what’s already been created over the years of hard work and dedication to our health and recovery. Now, just with more intention, more honesty, more love. Even on the hard days.

And if you’re in your own messy middle?

I hope this reminds you: growth isn’t clean.

It’s not easy. But it’s worth it.

Because of all the changes, there hasn't been a new vlog in a minute — it’s been a lot. I’m taking the space I need to adjust, to breathe, to be present.

Through all this change, something new is being birthed. Something that's been on our hearts for some time. Something we've been praying about, reflecting on, and dreaming up.