Anchored Not Anxious

What if you could reset your entire emotional and spiritual state in just a few minutes? That's the power of centering prayer. In this episode, I guide you through a specific centering prayer practice based on Jeremiah 17:7-8—a prayer that reminds you to root yourself in God’s strength. I'll show you how to coordinate this prayer with your breathing to create a rhythm that calms your min...

Holiday hosting stressing you out? What if I told you that the burnt turkey, the carpet stain, and the unexpected guest count don't matter nearly as much as you think they do? In this episode, I share why your holiday performance is meaningless in the scheme of things—and why that's actually the most freeing news you'll hear this season. Drawing from my own chaotic Christmas Day exp...

Welcome to Anchored Not Anxious. I'm Terri Hutchinson, your host.  I'm continuing the monthly series, “Why She Trusts God”, and I have guest author Lisa Woolery.  She is the author of The Widow's Comeback and the Widow's Comeback 365 Grief Calendar and Workbook.   Lisa was widowed six years ago, and as you can imagine, that causes a lot of anxiety.  In her recovery she learned...

Ever walked past a bakery and been instantly transported by the smell? That's your limbic system at work—the same brain region that makes essential oils so powerful for managing emotions and anxiety. In this practical and personal episode, Terri shares her go-to "Emotional Rescue" blend, why it works, and when she uses it.   Learn about the unique oils in this blend and get practica...

Sometimes hope comes from the most unexpected places.  In this moving episode, Terri shares the heartbreaking moment when a simple physical therapy exercise brought her to tears and made her feel like giving up entirely. At 43, unable to walk and talk simultaneously, she felt embarrassed, stupid, and utterly defeated. But then something beautiful happened and unlikely champions gave her hope. This...

In this practical and immediately applicable episode, learn how to transform your stressful commute (or any tense situation) using simple muscle relaxation techniques. Whether you're behind the wheel, at your computer, or standing in line, you'll discover how to tune into your body and thoughts to reduce physical tension and mental stress. From checking your shoulder position and looseni...

Running on fumes? Stretched to your breaking point while everyone around you seems oblivious to how much you're carrying?  Terri explores the profound loneliness of being the one who gives everything—your time, energy, and heart—until there's nothing left to live on. This episode is especially for the woman who has pushed her own needs and dreams to the back of the closet—the caregiver,...

Ever felt completely overwhelmed by your own thoughts and emotions? In this vulnerable and deeply personal episode, Terri describes a raw moment of crisis in a grocery store parking lot and how it became the catalyst for trying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  Intense emotions create a thoughts storm and at the same time emotions are spiking.  Feeling out of control and unable to "fix it&...

What if canceled plans could become unexpected gifts? In this heartwarming episode of Anchored Not Anxious, host Terri sits down with author Elise Tegegne to explore how trust transforms our response to life's curveballs. Elise, author of "In Praise of House Flies: Meditations on the Gifts in Everyday Quandaries," shares how her mother's "adventure mindset" shaped her...

Peaceful moments are easily disturbed by worries, unexpected change, or stress.  Discover a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey through a woman’s encounter at the ocean’s edge.  Uncertainty, life change, and stress events can feel like shifting sand, but you can remain anchored to God. Hebrews 6:19 is your lifeline. Perfect for anyone experiencing anxiety, facing uncertainty, or seeking sp...

Do you wish you had a mental security system? One that keeps out intrusive and unhelpful thoughts. It's enough to control your own doubt and questioning, but Satan's attacks too? The enemy can rattle even the most faithful, like King Hezekiah.  Listen to what Hezekiah did to beat down the psychological warfare threatening his trust in God. Perfect for anyone battling doubt, feeling spiri...

Ever seen those spike strips in parking garages or rental car locations? These pierce a tire if you try to go in the wrong way. What if you could pull a lever to raise a spike strip taking the air out of distorted and unhelpful thoughts. Just as God established boundary lines for the seas, you can set boundaries for thoughts and feelings.  Boundaries meant to protect your peace. No more manipulati...

When discouragement threatens to overwhelm your heart and mind, where do you turn for nourishment? In this powerful 3-minute reflection, we apply the imagery of Psalm 23:5 to unexpected setbacks, feeling like the world is against you, or as a reminder of God's provision in hard times.,  Perfect for anyone seeking spiritual encouragement, biblical perspective on mental health, or a quick reset...

Racing thoughts? Overwhelming decisions? Difficult conversations ahead? Experience the effects of The Jesus Prayer . Settle overwhelm, slow your thoughts, and regain balance. This is your moment for self-care and spiritual grounding. In three minutes you can anchor with centering prayer.  Perfect for busy professionals, parents, caregivers, or anyone seeking practical spiritual tools for managing...

Are you managing 70%, 80%, or even 90% of everything in your life—and everyone else's? If you're nodding yes while feeling exhausted just thinking about it, this episode is for you. Self-reliance can be a strength, but it has a shadow side of chronic stress weakening your immune system and setting you up for illness. Flip self-reliance into self-care and restore your weary soul and mind....

Most people post-event process a meeting, a date, or a social gathering. It’s normal unless it takes a downward spiral.  Post-event processing is a form of social anxiety.  Terri uses a real-life day-after processing example and why insecurities and self-doubt become the catalyst for anxiety. Move from a negative to a positive mindset.  Your mind does not get to sabotage your life.  Click this lin...

Terri guides you through a 10-minute relaxation journey with biblical imagery from John 10:1-30. Release tension as your body and mind enter into peace and God’s presence. Treat yourself to a mini-escape into fields of green and the presence of Jesus. Light background music calms your nervous system and thoughts. You deserve this.  Subscribe to the podcast so you get the latest episode. Get The An...

Join Terri as she shares three spiritual truths to salvage hope in the midst of overwhelming tragedy and crisis.  Many of us struggle to make sense of calamity in the world. Using David’s raw honesty and search for hope in Psalm 55, this episode may help anchor your faith in loss and devastating moments. We have reasons to hope. Get The Anchored Life twice-monthly email. You can include Jesus in e...

Bringing Light Into Anxiety's Darkness When anxiety overwhelms and panic clouds your vision, where do you turn? In this episode, listen to: Mary Magdalene's experience at the tomb How grief, trauma, and overwhelming emotion made it impossible for her to recognize Jesus with her. Discover how Jesus brings light into dark moments of worry and distress. Discover anxiety isn't a sign of...

Get The Anchored Life twice-monthly email. You can include Jesus in each day for reassurance, wisdom, hope, identity, transitions, and as a spiritual, emotional, and mental rescue remedy. It’s about hard days and staying anchored in faith.  Your story matters to me and I answer every email. Go to terrihutchinson@anchorednotanxious.com Visit Anchored Not Anxious . It's help, hope and resources...

In a culture seeking self-definition and comparison, how do we find our true identity? Join host Terri as she sits down with Beth Steffaniak—pastor's wife, biblical counselor, and Bible study author—for an honest conversation about the exhausting cycle of measuring ourselves against others and the peace found in letting Christ define who we are. Beth shares her personal journey of getting &qu...

Have you ever had a Bible verse suddenly stop you in your tracks? In this episode, Terri explores the transformative practice of Lectio Divina—sacred reading that deepens your connection with God's Word. Discover how this ancient, yet simple, four-step process (read, meditate, pray, contemplate) moves you beyond surface-level Bible reading to a place of authentic encounter with God. Learn why...

Coping With Uncertainty Quiz Link In this episode, I explore the challenging reality of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and how it affects our mental and spiritual well-being. I share my personal experience with uncertainty-triggered anxiety, including how a well-meaning comment about highway accidents sparked a cascade of fearful thoughts.  Learn to recognize the key signs of uncertainty thought...

Host Terri welcomes Carol Feil, a seasoned writer, gardener, photographer, speaker, and church mentor. Together they explore the powerful journey of transforming our internal soundtrack. Carol's gardening analogies and personal stories offer relatable insights on breaking free from the guilt-inducing "shoulds" that weigh us down. Carol shares her wisdom on replacing self-defeating t...

In this uplifting episode, explore the transformative power of joy, laughter, and smiles. Learn why these simple expressions are more than just reactions – it’s prescribed by God, Great Physician, for our physical and spiritual well-being. Discover how to reclaim joy even during challenging times. Gain the benefits of these positive expressions. Learn about laughter yoga and humor therapy How to e...