By Barbara De Angelis
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
"The journey in between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place." This Barbara De Angelis quote about change captures something both universal and deeply personal. Change is a fact of life, but very few people talk about the messy, challenging, and beautiful transition from who we used to be to who we are still shaping ourselves to become. This is where so much of our meaning, growth, and even our happiness are found. The quote invites us to pay attention to the process as much as the outcome — and that idea has practical and emotional importance in every stage of life.
What Does This Quote Mean?
At its core, Barbara De Angelis is reminding us that real life doesn’t only happen at the end points — not just in the past we remember or the future we aim for. The quote"s literal image is about a journey — the path that takes us from one version of ourselves to another. But the deeper message acknowledges that most of life is actually lived in the moments of "becoming," not simply being. The "dance" is a lively metaphor for the ups and downs, uncertainties, and discoveries that come when we"re moving between stages of growth.
With this Barbara De Angelis quote about change, we are encouraged to see the process, not the product, as the heart of our lived experience. Instead of racing to a finish line or longing to revert to an earlier self, we"re invited to be present with the awkwardness and excitement of transition. That means recognizing that who you are today is not final, but also that the value of your life comes from how you move, adapt, and learn in the meantime. The "dance" is not just about achievement — it is about embracing movement, responding to new music, sometimes stumbling and sometimes soaring. This quote teaches us to find meaning and joy right now, in the moments that feel unfinished or in progress.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Notice and appreciate your own growth.
When facing a new challenge or going through a big change — whether it is a career shift, a relationship ending or beginning, or learning a new skill — pause and recognize the stage you are in. Remind yourself that it"s normal to feel uncertain or unsteady. This Barbara De Angelis quote about change is a nudge to value the process, not just the previous comfort or hopeful outcome.
2. Give yourself grace during transitions.
When you feel stuck or like you are not "there" yet, remember that the dance of life is happening right now. You can use this insight to quiet your inner critic and replace negative self-talk with curiosity. Ask yourself what you are learning in this stage, instead of just asking when it will end.
3. Find beauty in the in-between moments.
Rather than waiting for things to be "settled," find small ways to celebrate your progress. Journal about what has changed, talk to supportive friends, or mark milestones, no matter how small. Seeing the value in the journey helps you stay motivated and grounded.
4. Help others honor their process.
Whether you"re a mentor, parent, or friend, you can encourage people going through transitions by reminding them that their current struggle or uncertainty is meaningful. Share the quote with someone having a tough time, and discuss what "the dance" looks like for them. Sometimes, just knowing that these awkward middle stages are normal can be a powerful comfort.
5. Practice being present, rather than rushing toward goals.
So much of life is spent preparing for the next thing, but this quote challenges you to slow down. Take a deep breath. Notice what is happening inside and around you, rather than always looking ahead. By paying attention to the now, you might find more clarity and courage to continue your journey — even if the end is not in sight yet.
✨ The Motivation Message
You are right in the middle of your own incredible transformation — and that"s a great place to be! Every step you take, even the uncertain or awkward ones, matters. You are learning, changing, and becoming — not despite the hard times but because of them. When you honor your progress and accept that life is always in motion, you become stronger, braver, and more compassionate. 🌱
Don"t wait for the future to give you permission to celebrate yourself. The journey is not a distraction from your life — it *is* your life! Trust your capacity to adapt, and let yourself experience the mix of challenge and joy that change can bring. When you stumble, remember: movement is proof you"re alive! Keep showing up for yourself, and let every small victory remind you that you are growing, right now.
Go forward with courage and curiosity. Take that next step, even if it feels small. You are already in the dance, and you are doing better than you think!
About the Author
Barbara De Angelis, who was born in 1951 and is still living, is an American author, relationship expert, and personal growth teacher. She has spent decades helping people better understand themselves and their emotional lives through her best-selling books, television appearances, and workshops. Her work centers on the idea that real happiness and fulfillment come from honest self-reflection and conscious change.
Barbara De Angelis believes deeply in the transformational power of self-awareness — and her writing encourages readers to embrace every part of the journey, not just the outcomes. This quote fits naturally with her lifelong message: that the moments of uncertainty, effort, and discovery are where we find our deepest sense of purpose and meaning. By inviting us to see "the dance of life" as an ongoing process, Barbara De Angelis encourages everyone to find value not just in who they become, but in the adventure of becoming itself. Her words remain a compassionate call to live fully at every stage.
