Coping with Loss and Change: The Power of Daily Anchors

I just got back to Taos, New Mexico

After spending almost 4 months in Illinois enjoying our summer with friends and family we are back in the desert.

It feels good. It also feels new again, even if familiar.

With anything new comes a little discomfort. Even if it is welcome change.

Unfortunately some of the recent changes in our life haven't been so welcome.

We spent 2 weeks in August traveling the UK. 

Within 18 hours of returning home, our oldest dog of 12 years passed away.

If you've ever lost a pet, then you know the extreme loss and pain that comes with that.

A month later and we have just not begun to get used to life without him traveling and being with us 24/7.

Combine that with our return here to Taos and there is a lot we are getting used to again.

But these changes in life are never excuses or reasons to abandon the things that are most important to us.

In fact, they should be there for us to lean on when we need them.

I call these anchors. These are the things that keep your grounded, healthy and functioning well regardless of your life situation. They should be there to help you and anchor your day no matter what else is going on.

During this time I haven't missed a run (137 days in a row), I still make walking, exercise and healthy food a priority.

These anchors helped give me strength on days I wanted to be alone and not see or talk to anyone.
These anchors helped me manage the stress that came with a new life situation.
These anchors helped me better take care of myself and those around me.

During times of extreme pain, struggle or change it is easy to take the easy route and go to what gives us cheap comfort. 

Many use food, alcohol, drugs as escapes from what they are feeling or experiencing in life.

I don't need to tell you this is a mistake.

My point today is to encourage you to create and solidify what your anchors are.

How do you mange the most difficult times in your life with less effort?

We all need them. We all function better when we have actions, habits and tasks that we can rely on each day to make us better.

I will urge you to not rely on people or things as anchors.

They can be useful, but as long as you depend on something or someone outside of your control you are simply creating an opportunity for things to go sideways.

People will let you down, things wont always go as planned. That's ok. That's life.

Let you anchors be actions, habits or a mindset you adopt.

Exercise, water, walking, meditation, whole foods, breath work, yoga, etc. are all great options but definitely not limited to these things.

Remember, your body is the vehicle in which you experience the world.

It is especially important during times of uncertainty or difficulty that you are taking care of it in a way that will allow you to thrive even through difficult times.

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”

Choose your anchors and watch life get easier.