My UFO (unbelievably fabulous observations)

[BeingMe]

a corollary is--there's usually a big ugly chasm just before the plateau where everything smooths out.

Or, a smooth grassy hill, and on the other side a surprise, a meadow with spring flowers like daisies and cornflowers; green grass where one can rest looking up at the blue sky where puffy little clouds drift by and you can guess what it looks like; shady fruit trees where you can read a book you've been wanting to in a long time --- well you get my drift, I'm sure.

Deny the chasm --- it's behind you now. If anything, perhaps a little dip, but you can see on the other side where you are going. Past the meadow is adventure; you just have to rest some now, and fortify your defences.

Just my thoughts ... if I were in your position that is.