Three Points of Contact

On weekends, I sometimes visit estate sales. Many take place in older homes with narrow, rickety wooden stairs that lead to low-ceilinged basements. At a recent sale, I was headed down one of those staircases as a woman was climbing up. We exchanged smiles, and she said, “Remember, three points of contact.”

I hadn’t heard that phrase in years. It refers to keeping one hand and two feet—or two hands and one foot—in contact as you climb a ladder, a piece of machinery, or a questionable staircase in an old house.

Since that encounter, the idea has stayed with me. I find myself practicing it on slippery sidewalks, while putting on my socks in the morning, or when I climb a step stool at home.

But lately, it’s grown beyond ladders and stairs. Navigating life can feel a lot like making your way up or down a rickety staircase. So I’ve been asking myself: What are the three points that help me keep my balance as I move through the day?

• Point one: The people in my life who matter most.

• Point two: My spirituality.

• Point three: My purpose—the work, the art.

When I feel myself tipping, I try to keep at least two of these points in mind.. 

Sometimes I think of three more specific points. What are the three priorities I need to attend to today? Who are the three people I need to connect with? Focusing on my three points helps me stay upright and keeps me moving forward. 

What are your three points of contact? How do you maintain focus and balance on the rickety staircase of life?