Let’s be honest. There are moments when life becomes too much: too hurried, too chaotic, too overwhelming, too much of a grinding climb… just simply too much.

Whatever your story may be, these moments come. I might even say they are inevitable. This is not because I have a bleak perspective on life, but rather an honest appreciation for what life involves and a deep admiration for those who face it straight on. Work demands become overwhelming. Family gets sick and face critical diagnoses. Loved ones pass. Kids face challenges. The roadmap to parenting gets lost. Bank accounts don’t balance. Roofs leak and cars break down. Friendships change, marriages struggle, and breakups hurt. Injuries slow us down. Insecurities bubble up. Houses need to be sold, bought, or rented (which means purged, cleaned and packed). Permission slips need to be signed and sports games coached. Reports written, meetings facilitated, and oh, don’t forget that medical exam that has been taunting you for the last two months. And why is it that old emotional wounds come screaming to the surface during these already trying times?

Ok, so assuming I’m not the only one nodding my head to some of this, let’s sink into the idea that we all face crunch times that are chaotic and disorienting. But what do we do when we’re gasping for breath as we face our “this is too much?” This post carries no quick fix or catchy 3-step process to alleviate this weight… an expected staple of any successful blog post, I know. Rather than the typical to-do list of self-care, I invite you to become curious of what helps anchor you in turbulent seasons.

Anchors are those things that provide stability and security. They are those people/places/things that bring about comfort, a feeling of home and an experience of peace. Without strong anchors, the storms of life can derail us. 

So the challenge: What are those things that help steady us when we’re being tossed around in the winds of life?

• What core values and beliefs do we cling to?

• In what activity do we escape to gain perspective and connect with ourselves?

• Whose voice calms the heart?

• Whose words speak affirmation and encouragement?

• Which quote or piece of writing cuts through the chaos with words of truth?

• Whose embrace helps silence the noise?

• What goals remind us of what we’re striving for?

• What memory needs to be relived to bring calm to the moment?

• Which place is our safe haven in which we seek refuge?

• Which friends can we seek out to fill us with laughter and adventure?

• Who might we need to be vulnerable with and share the struggle?

Connecting to anchors won’t necessarily make stormy moments disappear but they definitely help us ride out the waves. They can hold us firm and allow us to stand a little stronger. I invite you to consider what your anchors are and tether yourself to them. Safety can be found here.

Journeying with you,

Laurie