life coach pearl: why do i need an achor
When you hear the word anchor what images come to mind? Would your first thought be a broadcaster (as on a news program) who introduces reports by other reporters and usually delivers the news? Those anchors may come and go, move from station to station unless you’re Walter Cronkite or say, my daughter. My only daughter, by the way, is the most intelligent, articulate and beautiful consummate professional in the third largest media market in the United States. I’m biased yes, but then I digress. Ha!
Would you think about that huge device, usually made of metal, that by its sheer weight and teeth-like fluke is capable of digging into the ocean floor to hold a ship in place? Its grip may be tested by high winds and waves but its purpose is to hold firm and certain to its position.
Up until 6 months ago an old hymn would be the first to come to me in vivid chorus. Maybe with strong chords of a pipe organ or melodic tones of choral voices the words streamed, “be very sure, be very sure your anchor holds and grips the solid rock.” The tune would continue, “that rock is …… Put a pin in that. I will get back to that in a moment.
December 2023, I began study to become a Certified Health and Life Coach. It has been a lifetime ago since I have studied anything other than medicine so that in itself was a revelation. I’m 73 years old and have set out to learn a new profession. I have practiced the one I have for so long I can do most of it in my sleep or with one hand tied behind my back. It is that much a part of who I am. I am experienced. A dynamic and rewarding calling, it has consumed my life until now. Yet a still, small voice questions, “isn’t there something more?” The newness of my studies means I am learning a new perspective on myself and on the needs and desires of others.
This brings me back to the word, anchor. Using an “anchor”, a coaching tool, is to use something familiar to remind me or my client to focus attention and energy toward reaching a specific desire. Employ your senses throughout the day to explore your best self. A sound can ground us in what matters most; like hearing a favorite song that gives a nudge toward changing old, unhealthy habits. Smell - I love the smell of jasmine or gardenia and usually choose a perfume with some hint of it. Touching a physical object allows us to cope with challenges while moving toward that goal.
I always wear a necklace, a cross. It’s rugged touch at my fingertips not only brings me a reminder of my faith but of the exciting new life, I am creating for myself and for others. Recently, I met a man for the first time who obviously met no strangers. He took one look at me and at the tiny gold and diamond piece hanging at the base of my neck and remarked to my brother and another friend, “you see that there, hanging around her neck? That means you can’t touch that and you can’t afford it!” The other men tried to quite him out of respect. I just chuckled a bit. It seems my anchor was showing. And like the old hymn, a Christian, “that rock (anchor) is Jesus.” I joyously have respect for people of all walks of life regardless of heritage, beliefs et cetera. I hold space for anyone needing help moving forward.
I encourage you to use a favorite “anchor” to uplift and remind yourself when tempted to fall off track in your life adventure. I use this technique in my life and my coaching practice. My anchors remind me that I am on the right track toward a new career. I claim life, health, joy and “smarts”.
There is something inside you that is just pounding to come through. You already know what it is. Believe it or not you already know how to achieve it. You just have to allow yourself to trust in it. You’ll find it will come bursting through to your joy and amazement. Allow me to help you reach your goal. I will hold space and be a cheerleader for your success.