Ever feel like you’re stuck between the spotlight and the shadows?

I have.

I grew up as a middle child—and while I’ve never claimed to have “middle child syndrome,” I have explored the idea. (It’s not an official diagnosis, by the way.) But as I read more about it, I realized… I relate to a lot of the traits.

I came across this list on the Choosing Therapy website, and here’s how I measured up:

1. High sense of independence—well… I have been called Miss Independent by more than one person in my life. 

2. Feelings of alienation—there’s a reason I created a project in college called “separate togetherness.” 

3. Competitive—yep, that definitely fits. Ask anyone who’s ever played a sport or game with me. I love to win.

4. Risk taking—not so much when I was younger, but once I got into high school, yes. But I’ve also got a lot of cautiousness in me, so perhaps that keeps a healthy balance.

5. Strong social skills—I can hold my own when necessary.

6. Strong sharing behaviors—I would say so. Although my baby brother is probably the best in our family at the art of sharing.

7. Peacemaker—you bet. I love making peace. But admittedly, when i was a kid I also loved to stir my siblings up to fight with me, because of that competition thing—qnd it think it's how I processed emotions back then... (it was the best when I could get them all to attack me at once!!) 😃 Anyway, I always somehow managed to calm everyone back down by the end. 

8. Low self-esteem—I’ve had my moments of not feeling good enough.

9. Flexible—in many cases, I am very adaptable. But in some ways, I really struggle with sudden changes. I do not enjoy surprises.

10. Friendship skills—I value creating deep connections. Quality over quantity. 

Of course, who we become depends on more than birth order—like parenting styles, personalities, life events, and learned behaviors.

But I’ll admit: there were times as a kid (and still as an adult) when I just really wanted attention. To be seen. To feel connected. To love and be loved.

Not because I’m a middle child.

But because I’m human.

And I think that’s something we all feel, no matter where we land in the family lineup.

More and more, I’m realizing that being there for the people around me—whether it’s a sibling, parent, friend, or stranger in the grocery store—starts with small choices. Like putting away my phone and being more present.

If you're ready to feel seen and more connected so that you can be present for your loved ones, see the dose of enlightenment below.

Are you a middle child?
Or have you ever felt like one?

We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Love from Jac

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/middle-child-syndrome/

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Since we promised to treat you to an extra dose of light in your inbox, we include a Dose of Enlightenment for you at the end of each newsletter. We value your agency, so it’s up to you whether or not you receive it!

This Dose of Enlightenment is a frequency equation meant to clear a hidden and trapped emotion that you’ve been holding onto. 

If today's emotion is one that we have already cleared, know that we are addressing a different layer or situation this time.

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Today’s emotion is: yearning for attention

How does this emotion apply to you? For best results, ponder this question and identify how yearning for attention applies to you.

Dose of Enlightenment: 117 + 883 = E

Say it out loud with intent: “one-seventeen plus eight-eighty-three equals enlightenment.”

Breathe. Let it go. Feel the shift. Allow your body to be filled with light.

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For access to all of our past newsletters, see our blog: https://www.enso-ia.com/blogs

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The Doses of Enlightenment come from the M: Collaborations with the Divine Doctor book by Jaclyn Taylor. If you haven’t picked up a copy yet and want to learn more about how this works, you can get one here: 

https://intrinsicallyawaken.com

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Feel free to send us a message at hello@enso-ia.com. We would love to hear from you!

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​Every decision you make brings you closer to—or farther away from—the Light. We will meet you at the Light!