I often write about people’s stories here at JBN as part of my Front Porch series. These stories are simply about everyday life—stories told in backyards, break rooms, or on porches scattered throughout our lives.
I got to thinking about what anchors theses stories, something much deeper. All of us have a base camp of sorts that shapes the core of our stories and helps to define us. More specifically, might there be objects that come easily to mind, without much thought, which anchors us?
To help peel back the layers, I’m thinking one or two words might be at our core. I’m not looking for big ideas here (e.g., love, serenity, or peace), but more like coffee, hiking boots, or a #2 pencil.
My sister might be salsa and horses. My friend might be running shoes and the sun.
For me, the words might be porch swing and sea glass.
I see the porch swing as a place of solitude, a place to think, meditate, and become quiet in this world. It’s a place of renewal and healing. Even though I no longer have a porch swing, it somehow has become part of me at my base—my core.
I choose sea glass for its shape, colors, and sense of place. It may have started out as a jagged, rough piece of glass, maybe even from a broken windshield or a fragment of a fragrance bottle from a different time and land, but it makes its way to the beach molded into a smooth piece of beauty by a force bigger than all of us.
To move these thoughts one step further, if you’re unhappy about a part of your life, can you choose a new anchor to become part your base?
Rather than post a Front Porch post today, I want your ideas about your anchors. What two “things” come easy to mind that anchor you and your stories. Care to share?
I’d like to acknowledge Patty for her contributions regarding a sense of story at her blog and for providing inspiration for this post. Thanks, Patty!
Also, thanks to the author of The Exception for posting her view about anchors. Thanks for joining in the discussion with a related blog post. 
[~Photo courtesy alisonpavlos]
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It is interesting that you have picked nouns as the examples. When I first read this post, I immediately thought – ah, my daughter is butterfly and love (in my mind). When I went to think of my own words – I thought of adjectives – honest, responsible… What about those nouns? I need to think about that as traveler, non-individual, and student come to mind as well – but what about objects such as those you used…?
This might be a post. Thank you for the plethora of thoughts!
Hi T.E.,
Thanks, and yes, I chose nouns (objects) to try to bend our heads a different direction. I think concepts like trust and hope can be defined in so many ways, but an object seems more concrete and made me think about my life in a different way.
I love the thought of someone being a butterfly to you — gorgeous thought! Also, being a non-individual is quite a “deep” concept. In certain schools of thought/spirituality, all of humanity is considered “one” and I think what you’re saying ties closely into that. I have been considering myself more often an individual and much more part of this great planet and her inhabitants.
Thanks for your great comments — enjoy! (P.S. I’ll look forward to a post about this if you decide to delve into this further — let me know and I’ll link your post to this post, too.)
Lori,
Ahhh…and knowing you, I find those words (front porch and sea glass) to be so fitting for you.
For me, I would choose trail and sky.
“Trail” represents, for me, part of this journey through life. More than that, though – there is something about being out in the woods, on a trail (or blazing a new trail) that can bring both peace and much excitement.
“Sky” represents just how magnificent our world is, and how there really is no limit to what we can do. And it also represents – in seeing the changes – the clouds, the sun, the stars, the moon – something so wonderful just to gaze at…
Much love to you, sweet friend…
.-= Lance´s last blog ..RAOKA: Family =-.
Hi Lance,
Glad to know I wasn’t too off base here. Thanks for your kind comments. I was actually thinking about you when I mentioned my “friend” who might be running shoes and the sun. Hey, I was close, right?
Actually, the words you chose fit you to a “T”, so I’m with you there. Amazing, I can see you living these representations — in your own amazing “Lance” way.
Much love to you in return, Lance.
My two anchors are music and magic. Music (either playing it or listening to it) feeds my soul and nourishes my spirit, while magic flows all around me and connects me with the world and with all of life. To me, the breeze on a hot day is magical, as is the rain, the sunshine, the moon, the fragrance of flowers, the shade of the trees, the laughter of a friend, the sigh of a lover…all of it, all of everything, connected to me and through me.
Aaaaaahhhh yes. Music and magic. With these two things, I can do anything.
.-= Jay Schryer´s last blog ..Leather and Lace =-.
Hi Jay,
If I had to pick two for you, I would’ve picked music and goddess, so I wasn’t too far off! I quite like the concept of magic for you, Jay, it includes so many possibilities — just like you! You have so many talents and you are such an amazing man, I never know what you’ll come up with next. It’s so much fun being your friend.
Thanks for your lovely words today, they added much warmth and joy to my day today. (And, yes, you CAN do anything!)
~xo
Hi Lori .. Mothers .. as it’s Mother’s Day in your neck of the woods .. their memories, their knowledge, their wisdom – mine was a great gardener, so we always had wonderful plants, flowers, vegetables .. an anchor to home.
Now – I’d say my positive outlook .. it’s my anchor through my stories .. giving me a future to move towards ..
States of transition need mental rocks .. and those would be mine ..
Great post – thanks Lori .. Have a good Mother’s Day .. and Sunday – Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..The Okavango Delta – the perfect place to Safari or holiday? = Yes for me! Part 3/3 – Sights and sounds .. =-.
Hi Hilary,
Thanks for your insightful comment. I can see stories being one of your anchors, Hilary. You’re a great story teller — for sure. And I see you as being steadfast, strong, and resilient — so I think rock is an excellent choice for you, too, Hilary.
I’m glad you liked this post — keep up the great work over at Positive Letters. I’m often a silent lurker, but I’ve been enjoying the ride! Thank you, Hilary.
~xo
Hmmmmm. Had to think about this for a minute, but then my anchors become obvious to me.
One is my iPod. I have been alone for several years and the music in there is like a friend who is in whatever mood I might happen to be. It lifts me up and has me dancing around the room at times. It crys with me when I need to cry at other times.
Another is the wicker chair in my meditation corner of my bedroom. It is kinda bedraggled because the cats use it as a scratching post. In that chair I have laughed, cried, become wiser, had “aha” moments, gotten furious, felt peace, felt incredible turmoil and everything else.
When the sun is streaming through the window beside it onto my face and there are some drums or Gregorian chants playing in the background, I am safe and I am fearless. I am home.
Hi Debbie,
I feel like I’m there with you sitting in my own wicker chair. I can relate to your words about the feelings you’ve experienced in your chair — absolutely.
And, two thumbs up about your iPod. I’m the same way with mine. Music brings to me such peace and healing. I’m glad so many here have mentioned music — it really is a common thread for all of humanity.
Thanks for your lovely thoughts, Debbie. They’re beautiful.
~xo
WATER, in all its miraculous forms, and BOOKS (the physical objects, the stories within them, the movies and plays and songs made about them, the alternate realities they offer me on any given day).
If I had a third, it would be FIRE.
Lovely Lisis,
What a lovely thing to see you here — Happy Mother’s Day!
And, Lisis, you ARE absolutely water and books (and FIRE!). Right on! (Do you see the dichotomy there, water and fire? Yin and Yang? Jackie and Heidi?)
I see you as water because you can take so many beautiful forms, in different ways, to different people. You’re like the river that flows naturally, taking the waterfalls, twists and turns in stride.
Enjoy your day, sweets.
Hi Lori:
Wow, very cool and thought-provoking post! Hmm, it’s hard to boil these anchors to two words…but two immediate words that come to mind are: Faith and Music. Faith because I do believe in a higher power (I won’t get into that deep discussion here) and I know that this faith has guided me throughout my life in good times and very bad times. When I had my own crisis of faith more than 10 years ago…some answers were revealed to me that helped me. This faith has been a huge anchor for me, especially in these trying times.
My other word would have to be music because that, too, has been a huge anchor throughout my life. Yes, the music and the bands may change, but there is always something out there that mesmerizes, uplifts and transforms me. I’ve also seen how music has brought me together with a lot of people and friends through my life. A close #3 would have to be books, but I know you specified two.
Thanks for sharing your anchors, too, and for this post. Hope your weekend is going well…
.-= Tim´s last blog ..Class of 2010 Commencement Rap Song =-.
Hi Tim,
I’m glad you enjoyed this post. Thanks for not only choosing your two words to share with us, but for explaining what they mean to you. Your thoughts glow with warmth and love, Tim.
I agree about what you’re saying — and I also think music, in particular, brings people together. I have so many memories of transforming experiences related to music.
Thanks for joining the discussion, Tim, and I hope you’re weekend is going great, too. Rock on, rock warrior.
Hi Lori.
This got me thinking.
Words for me now are alpaca and jars.
Alpaca, protection and cuddly warmth as they are giving me their beautiful wool which protects me in winter, I snuggle up in the warmth of their wool.
Jars, bounty and beauty. In my jars I keep the fruit especially figs, the bounty of the year’s crop. I can enjoy them all year round and give them away as presents. The jars look beautiful too.
The words anchor me to the bounty and abundance of nature, all is well, there is enough.
Love Wilma
.-= Wilma Ham´s last blog ..Does the way you talk destruct or create? =-.
Hi Wilma,
I love your words! Thanks for sharing them and also what they mean to you. What a lovely thought to identify with protection and cuddly warmth. Mmmmm — your words make me feel warm and fuzzy.
The concept of jars is such a great idea. I like how abundance and clarity, too, can be ascribed to jars. There is enough in this life, I agree. Thanks for so eloquently describing your anchor words, Wilma. Lovely!
Shared gr8 thoughts Lori.
But still am confused with nouns and stuffs. A typical college student..
.-= S.Pradeep Kumar´s last blog ..15+ Reasons Why I Want To Marry A Female Blogger! =-.
Hi S. Pradeep Kumar,
Thanks for visiting and taking time to leave us with your thoughts. Have fun in college and make the most of it. I loved college and learned so much — enjoy!
Hi Lori,
Love this! I want to write down so many but instead will give 2. Nature and laughter. They anchor me every time. What a cool exercise!
Hi Tess,
I felt the same way — it was hard for me to narrow down all my ‘anchors’ with two words/objects. But, I was really trying to get down to the essence of it all. Who are we, really?
Nature and laugher are great picks, Tess, and I think they fit you nicely. I can absolutely see you in nature and laughter.
Thanks for taking time to think about these things, Tess!
Hi Lori!
Delightful spin on words – this really gets to the heart of what makes us “tick” doesn’t it?
Books would be tops for me – and my second (don’t tell him he isn’t FIRST) is my dog, Mondo. He is my constant companion and reminds me to live present moment always. If choosing living thing isn’t allowed (giggle) then I’d surely pick paint brushes.
Thanks for making me think about this! What fun!
Hope all is awesome!
hugs
suZen
Hi SuZen,
Always a treat to see you here — thanks for stopping by!
And, I agree big time — I would be so lost without books. They are my friends, teachers, meditation companions, and I could go on and on. About Mondo (cool name, btw), I think I’ve mentioned before I have a huge hole in my heart and life having no pets. As soon as I can get my arse out of the city I’m getting a dog, at least two cats, chickens, and maybe even a goat!
You’re a trip, Suzen, thanks for contributing to the discussion! Take care.
~xo
Hi Lori,
Wow, I’m honored that I inspired you in some way! And thank you for the link love.
I love the idea of anchors. It’s a fantastic question. My first one popped out immediately – Redwood trees. I’ve had a deep attachment to them for a long time. And they’re a metaphor for so much: ancient, resilient, beautiful, and they have the ability to heal themselves. I planted eight of them in my backyard five years ago; they’re probably about 25 feet tall now, the first thing I see in the morning when I raise my bedroom shade.
The second took longer to catch, and then it just hit me: recorded books. They’re my bedtime stories (ah, that story thing again), sweetly putting me to sleep at night. Especially if it’s a Jane Austen book. Right now I’m making my way through “Persuasion” for the second time. Because, let’s face it, I might miss a bit if I’m listening in bed. But that’s the beauty of a bedtime story, you get to keep going back to it again and again!
Hi Patty,
Thanks for being a kindred spirit — and for the inspiration, Patty. You’re lovely.
I also am pleased that you liked this idea of anchors. I felt it might be a fun exercise for me, so decided to share here. Oh, and Redwood trees — YES! What an amazing choice, their majesty and all the things your mentioned inspire me. How awesome that you planted them in your backyard!
Thanks for also describing your anchor with books. I love the idea of listening to recorded books at bedtime and hadn’t thought of that before. I love blogging for that reason, so many great ideas swirling on the internet/blog land. Thanks for the great tips, Patty.
Enjoy your week and thanks for contributing!
Wow, very cool and thought-provoking post! Hmm, it’s hard to boil these anchors to two words…but two immediate words that come to mind are: Faith and Music. Faith because I do believe in a higher power (I won’t get into that deep discussion here) and I know that this faith has guided me throughout my life in good times and very bad times. When I had my own crisis of faith more than 10 years ago…some answers were revealed to me that helped me. This faith has been a huge anchor for me, especially in these trying times.My other word would have to be music because that, too, has been a huge anchor throughout my life. Yes, the music and the bands may change, but there is always something out there that mesmerizes, uplifts and transforms me. I’ve also seen how music has brought me together with a lot of people and friends through my life. A close #3 would have to be books, but I know you specified two.
+1
Hi Jack,
Sorry your comment was posted so late — I just discovered it was sent to my spam folder. Hmmm…sorry about that!
Thanks for your wonderful additions to this post. I can understand and also agree with what you’re saying. Good for you for finding things that uplift you. And, also for finding a medium for bringing your closer to friends and other people.
Thumbs up!
HI Lori –
At long last, I have posted on my anchors!
It was interesting to work through the process as I realized that some are connected. I love walking and exercise, but I love doing it in nature – Nature is such an anchor for me and has been throughout my life. It is where I am reminded of the greatness, the power, and the interconnectedness of everything. The second process was the same in that I found that my other anchors, books, pen, paper, word processor, song, theater… everything boiled down to Words. Words are an anchor.
Thank you for this post and this exercise. My anchor post is up today!
.-= The Exception´s last blog ..Anchors =-.
Great! I read and enjoyed your post. I also linked you in the body of this post. I am incredibly honored to have inspired your post today. Thank you!
I also like how you “boiled down” the pen, paper, etc. into ‘words’. Thanks for describing your process to me — fascinating.
Enjoy your day!
Hi Lori,
Excellent post! I’ll chose an ocean – or I often think that the ocean (and other large bodies of water) get a bad rap. They are often described as tempestuous, uncaring, and unpredictable. This seems unfair to me. True, while indiscriminate in rage there is no malice in it’s actions. Large bodies of water play by rules. They have cycles of tides and flooding and current.
Large bodies of water care neither for your race, nor creed, nor temperament. They react to the world around them for instance being whipped to frenzy by wind or channelled by the largest of mountains. They have endurance, can chisel stone and will eventually work their way into, around and through every obstacle placed in their way. Fluid, flexible, and probing.
When I need to think or to reaffirm or to exhaust myself I seek out rivers, lakes, and seashores. I’ll take oceans.
.-= Ted Hessing´s last blog ..Kim & Kyle: Lawyers No More! =-.
Hi Ted,
Lovely to see you here. I just LOVE your prose and comments.
What a lovely anchor — the ocean; I am with you there. Shaka that, brother. And, I absolutely am enamored with how you described the ways the ocean anchors you — e.g., unbiased, endurance, conforms to the laws of nature and flexibility. Yes, yes, yes, these all quite remind me of you, Mr. 5-Mile-Ocean-Swim Man! You ARE the ocean in every way.
Cheers to you, Ocean Man. Thanks for contributing your thoughts.
Lori — This is such a great idea. I came her from The Exception and answered about the anchors, but your post makes me want to go further. Therefore, I’ll say an anchor I remember leaving at The Exception and see what words emerge. Here goes:
nature — no worries, present moment, freedom
certain people — calming, funny, connected
animals — sleepy comfort, laughter, and love
laughter — joy, relaxing, fun
writing — release, expression, and order
photography — challenge, thrill, and peace
I can’t remember the others I said and this is probably enough. I enjoyed this exercise. I liked waiting for the words to come to me about each thing. It’s like they drifted into my consciousness, like answers from the magic 8 ball.
Thanks:~)
.-= Sara´s last blog ..Let’s Go to the Beach =-.
Hi Sara,
This post has been quite fun for me, and I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the concept as well. Thanks for discussing you anchors — what great things! Writing is an important one for me, too.
He he, like from the magic 8 ball — indeed. I enjoyed reading your thoughts, Sara, thanks so much for visiting.
Lori,
I’m known for butterflies and glitter. But they are quite conceptual, so my physical anchors would be my anklet and my smile. I allow myself to be wrapped in Love and Light (my anklet always represents these) and laughter is the key to everything…laughter means all is well with my heart…and I enjoy sharing with those around me….
.-= Joy´s last blog ..Monday Blessing: Dark…a Guest Post from Evita…. =-.
Hi Joy,
Now, there’s an interesting and great one — your anklet. It really brings to life who you are and I have a physical anchor concept for you in my own mind. I love this!
I’m glad you choose laughter, too. Laughter is so very important — for the reasons you’ve mentioned. Yay! Thanks for sharing and joining the discussion.
Two things, hmmmmmm, my patience and my – what I want my life to be – ART. My last dream board had an anchor in it. My wish to have art as my anchor. This is what I thought of, but maybe it does not end there. Thanks for the question.
.-= Lucy´s last blog ..Wish =-.
Hi Lucy,
Nice to meet you — and what a great comment. I believe this to be true, what you can see and what you bring more of into your life will slowly, over time, become part of you. And, what a lovely anchor — ART. I’m with you there, sister. I have been immersing myself in art, too, and intentionally bring more creativity into my life.
I will meditate on more art coming into your life, Lucy. Best to you and thanks for contributing your thoughts — lovely.
Hello Lori!
Two that immediately come to my mind are Music and Nature.
These two have always been my anchors. Listening to music helps me in many ways. It fills me with joy, it carries me through pain, it fuels my anger, or maybe encourages my heart.
Playing music, or writing songs, provides me an outlet for feelings I would struggle to identify and express otherwise.
Nature is my church. It is where I connect….with everything. Know what I mean?
Thanks Lori!
.-= Keith´s last blog ..DON’T DODGE THE DETOUR! =-.
Hello Keith,
Great to see you again! Thanks for popping over here.
Hey, I really love and also agree with your choices, Music and Nature. And, so cool that you write songs, Keith. That’s super! I agree that music (whether writing songs or listening) can be an awesome outlet. Two thumbs up.
And, yes, I’ve said what you’ve said often, too, that nature is my church. So, absolutely, I hear you and agree.
Thanks, Keith. I’ll see you ’round real soon.
You’re very welcome Lori! You know, my daughters still wear the necklaces you made them. So cool.
Thanks again!
.-= Keith´s last blog ..DON’T DODGE THE DETOUR! =-.
Hi Lori. What an intriguing idea. In my teens and early twenties I’d have said the land, and the ocean. The land because it enriched my life and the ocean because it was dark and deep. Today I’d say fire and the address ‘my son’. Fire because I burn with passion and faith, and ‘my son’ because I’m noticed by angels.
Cheers, Simon.
Hi Simon and Welcome!
After visiting your site, I can clearly understand
why you’ve chosen ‘my son’. What a lovely life you lead — I’m sure you’ve helped and touched many peoples’ lives.
And, I quite like ‘fire’, too. I’m enamored by fire both on a chemical level (I am a biochemist, after all) and because of it’s beauty and also potential.
Thanks for taking the time to leave us with your thoughts, Simon, and you’re welcome here anytime.
~Warmly,
Lori
I like your idea of a base camp.
A key anchor for me is “warrior.” It reminds me to get on path, get back up when I get knocked down, and give my best where I have my best to give.
.-= J.D. Meier´s last blog ..Why We Make Bad Decisions – Errors in Odds and Errors in Value =-.
Hey J.D.
I’ve seen you around the internet for some time, and have gotten to know you via your comments around the common sites we visit, so I want to say thanks for visiting today.
And, hey, I love the fact that you’ve chosen “warrior’. I can relate to your choice as you’ve so well defined why you selected the word. You are inspiring and you’ve just now given me a much-needed boost, too.
Thanks, J.D.
Have a great week!