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The Power of Talk: Breaking the Silence of the Messy Middle

Have you ever been stuck in that messy middle?

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Not who you used to be. Not yet who you’re becoming. Just… here.

For many high-achieving women and professionals, this is the space where chronic stress lingers. You’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and irritable. The smallest demands feel heavy. You might be in a funk that shows up as being tearful, restless, excessively busy or simply unmotivated.


This place is difficult because we often suffer in silence. We keep pushing forward, trying to perform, but the internal stress compounds. And yet, one of the most powerful ways to pull ourselves through is also the most overlooked:

Talking.


In my ROOTED framework for stress reduction and holistic well-being, the Talk pillar is about intentional communication—with God, with ourselves, and with others. It’s more than venting. It’s the skill of speaking with clarity, honesty, and grace in ways that reduce stress and build resilience.



Why Talk Matters When You’re Stuck

When you’re stressed or overwhelmed, your nervous system is already working overtime. If you don’t name what you’re carrying, your mind keeps replaying the same thoughts, which keeps your body in a constant state of tension.

Research confirms this: naming emotions reduces their intensity (Pennebaker, 1997). Giving words to your overwhelm whether through prayer, journaling, or conversation—calms the nervous system and helps prevent burnout.

This is why the Talk pillar is critical: it breaks the silence, interrupts the cycle of stress, and creates space for clarity.


What the Talk Pillar Looks Like

The Talk pillar of ROOTED invites us to practice three forms of intentional communication:

  1. Talk with God Prayer doesn’t have to be perfect. Saying “I’m stressed, Lord” or “I feel stuck” is enough. Scripture reminds us that God hears even our wordless groans (Romans 8:26).

  2. Talk with Yourself Notice your inner dialogue. Are you speaking words of compassion or words of criticism? Negative self-talk increases stress and feelings of overwhelm, while compassionate self-talk builds emotional health and resilience.

  3. Talk with Others Stress thrives in silence. Honest conversations with trusted friends, mentors, or therapists lighten the load. Connection reduces the effects of chronic stress and reminds us that we’re not alone.


The Funk Is Not Failure

Being in a funk doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re human.

  • The messy middle is your nervous system recalibrating.

  • Growth is stressful before it becomes transformative.

  • Gentle, intentional talk can shift you from overwhelmed to grounded.

Talking doesn’t erase the messy middle, but it helps you move through it with more grace and less isolation.


A Gentle Practice to Try

When you feel stuck or stressed this week, try one of these:

  • Journal Prompt: Write for 5 minutes starting with, “Right now I feel…” Let the words flow without editing.

  • Prayer Prompt: Speak aloud one sentence to God about what feels overwhelming.

  • Connection Prompt: Send a message to a friend: “I’m in the messy middle. Can I share what’s on my heart?”


ROOTED in Talk

The Talk pillar is a powerful tool against the effects of chronic stress. It’s about choosing communication that heals rather than harms, connecting instead of withdrawing, and using words to pull ourselves out of the funk.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in the messy middle today, remember this: your words matter. Honest, grace-filled talk—with God, yourself, and others—can be the bridge to resilience.


Next Steps

If you need encouragement, my new ROOTED: A 90-Day Sacred Journey to De-Stress and Reclaim Your Peace was written for seasons like this. Each day offers scripture, reflection, and practical steps to move you from stressed and overwhelmed to grounded and renewed.


And stay tuned—next week we’ll dive into Talk as Connection: How Honest Conversations Heal.


 
 
 

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