Remember the game Candyland? It’s one of those classic childhood board games where you travel along a colorful path to the ultimate prize: the big candy castle. But along the way, there are these black dots—places where you can get stuck for what feels like an eternity until you draw the right color card to move forward. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You’re so close, but you’re trapped, and nothing seems to help until you draw that perfect card.

Life, too, can sometimes feel like we’re stuck on one of those black dots. Anxiety is a lot like being stuck in Candyland. One moment, you’re moving along, cruising through life, and then—out of nowhere—something happens. A sudden loss, an unexpected change, or a shift you didn’t see coming. Suddenly, you’re off track, feeling paralyzed, overwhelmed, and out of control. Anxiety begins to creep in, making it even harder to move forward. Like those black dots in Candyland, it can feel like you’re stuck, unsure of how to keep going.

So, how do we get unstuck? How do we move forward when life feels like it’s spinning out of control?

One powerful way to move off the black dot of anxiety is to confront the loss you’ve experienced—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or even an unfulfilled dream. You have to allow yourself to feel the grief, to acknowledge the pain. Avoiding or suppressing the emotions will only keep you stuck in that place of paralysis.

Grief can feel intense, almost unbearable at times, but it is also a necessary part of healing. It’s like drawing that “right color” in Candyland—the one that allows you to move forward on your journey. Yes, the feelings might overwhelm you at first, but here’s the truth: you will survive them. You don’t have to avoid or rush through grief. You need to face it. The intensity will eventually lessen, and as it does, you’ll begin to realize that grieving is what frees you to keep moving on your journey. Loss, while painful, doesn’t have to stop you. It can be a stepping stone to deeper healing and personal growth.

And here’s something that makes all the difference: You’re not alone. Even in your grief, God is right there with you. His promise is clear: He will never leave you, and He will provide a peace that goes beyond what you can understand. His presence is a comforting constant, guiding you through the darkest moments and offering strength when you feel like giving up.

So, if you find yourself stuck on that black dot—whether it’s from grief, anxiety, or the overwhelming weight of uncertainty—remember that the way forward is to face the feelings that are holding you back. Feel the sadness, acknowledge the pain, and trust that in doing so, you will begin to heal. When you choose to grieve, you choose to move forward.

Choose the right color, and get back on the road. God is with you, and He’s got a plan to help you reach your castle. And when you get there, it will be all the sweeter for the journey you’ve traveled.