Sometimes life has unpleasant surprises in store. Situations we’re not prepared for. Things we don’t know how to handle. Overwhelming conditions that we can’t cope with. There is no pause button that would allow us to come up with a plan. Traversing these times in my life has a place on my island. It is called Unsteady Ground.

When I was younger, when I found myself on Unsteady Ground, I had no skills for getting through it. My strategy was just to move forward quickly and try to reach the shore. I got hurt, but once I had gotten through it, all I wanted was to put it behind me. I didn’t even want to acknowledge my injuries. When I felt the pain, I blamed whatever current situation was reminding me of my time on Unsteady Ground.

Eventually, I started to get some perspective. I had transformed the Dead Forest into the Berry Farm. It was such a success, I felt confident enough to look back at Unsteady Ground. Maybe I could transform that too.

As I took a look at what had happened, I finally bandaged up the abrasions I had sustained. The pain went away. I could look back rationally.

I saw the truth that Unsteady Ground can’t be transformed. Life will always surprise us with situations that we aren’t prepared for. I needed to transform myself and my strategy for making it through.

Unsteady Ground is part of my path. I don’t need to change it. My path is grounded when I ground myself. Instead of rushing forward trying to escape, I can be present with each challenge, stepping with care. If I get hurt, I’ll know it and tend to it in the moment. Nothing is blocking my path because I can traverse Unsteady Ground with purpose and awareness now.