Part 1: What Anchors You?
Discovering Your Spiritual Compass
For much of my adult life, I have felt unanchored. As a creative, I’ve often felt called to whatever direction the wind was blowing. In my twenties, I chased multiple careers, churches, and men, hoping to find that elusive sense of stability. I’m grateful that I made a great choice in the spouse I have—though our journey together has been anything but straightforward. In my thirties, I focused on "becoming a mother" and "building a family," but infertility made that path far more difficult than I imagined. And now, in my forties, I’m still chasing—my writing, my business partnerships, my financial future.
But somewhere along this winding road, I found my anchor. I found it in my faith.
Finding My Anchor
For the first time in my life, I feel spiritually grounded. I no longer question what I believe, whether it’s the “right” thing to believe, or if I’m somehow missing something. Instead, I know my spiritual health is solid. I practice, I learn, I reflect—but I do it from a place of trust and peace, not fear or uncertainty.
Much of this is thanks to my spiritual mentor and therapist. She has challenged me to let go of the need for perfection and control while grounding me in practices that help me find balance and clarity. She reminds me that faith isn’t about certainty—it’s about courage. And that spiritual health doesn’t mean having all the answers; it means trusting the process and continuing to grow.
But my faith isn’t my only anchor. My family grounds me, too. Yes, it can feel chaotic—like most families—but the structure of family life has created a stability I’ve never been able to build for myself. My friendships anchor me, reminding me that I’m not walking this journey alone. And then there are the little things:
Walks around the small lake near my house, where the stillness of the water calms my busy mind.
Ski days in the Rockies, with blue skies and snow so bright and perfect it feels otherworldly.
My internal mentor, who I’ve trained to sometimes stop criticizing and offer a little encouragement instead.
It’s not just one thing that keeps me anchored—it’s all these pieces working together, creating a foundation that I can stand on when life feels unsteady.
Maybe you grew up with religion but no longer feel connected to it. Maybe faith was never part of your upbringing, and the idea of being “anchored” feels foreign or unattainable. Wherever you are, I want to assure you: you have the capacity to find what grounds you.
An anchor doesn’t have to look like mine—or anyone else’s. It could be a belief system, a community, or the quiet moments you carve out for yourself. The key is to look for what connects you to peace, purpose, and stability.
Finding Your Anchor
Here are some questions to help you reflect on what might anchor you:
When do you feel most at peace? Think about the environments, people, or moments that bring you calm and clarity.
What brings you back to center? Is it a daily practice like journaling or yoga? Or is it something less structured, like a long drive or a meaningful conversation?
What values guide you? Anchors often align with our deepest values. Are you rooted in love, justice, curiosity, or something else?
A Journey Worth Taking
For most of us, finding an anchor isn’t a one-time event—it’s a process. My anchor has changed and evolved over the years, and it will probably continue to do so. But with each shift, I’ve learned to trust myself more, to lean into connection, and to embrace the quiet moments where clarity finds me.
So, I ask you: What anchors you? What brings you back to solid ground when the wind starts blowing? What gives you the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain?
What’s Next?
In the next part of this series, we’ll explore how to listen to your inner voice and cultivate mindfulness as tools for spiritual growth. Because discovering your spiritual compass isn’t about following someone else’s path—it’s about charting your own.
Sheila, your wisdom and experience is such an encouragement! Thank you for sharing.