Blog Post

Hang In There

  • By Laurie McAnaugh
  • 01 Apr, 2020

April 2020

There's a lot of noise these days.  There seems to be no shortage of experts telling us how we should best navigate this pandemic, both physically and mentally.  This is new territory for a human race wired to connect.  How are we supposed to feel and how should we spend our days while staying inside our homes?  Does anyone really have the answers?

Yes.  You do.

Whatever you're feeling is right.  Some are experiencing grief and loss. Some discomfort, overwhelm and even pain.  Most feel fear and uncertainty in some form or another.  And yet others are content.  Or inspired to create.  Or binge watching Netflix in their pajamas.  Some are finally tackling that pile of books that have been waiting to be read. Some are soaking in the family time or quiet alone time.  There are those sticking to a routine and others finding peace in the complete lack of structure. 

If you're anything like me, you're visiting all of the above depending on the day. Depending on the moment.

No need to compare yourself to others .  This window of time in history only has one very important rule.  That we each do our very crucial part to serve the greater good. 

So whatever you're feeling, it's OK. However you're navigating this, breathe in acceptance. You’re human. Feel the fear. No need to fight it. Let it wash over you like the wave it is. Crashing through your sense of safety and temporarily shattering your resolve. Feel your balance waiver and your vision blur. And at the very same time, listen. Open. Grace is there. That still small voice. Invite it into your heart. Because regardless of how it looks in this moment, this too shall pass. 

There may be much to fear in the days ahead but there's also much to be grateful for. 

Who could have ever predicted such a global pause?   An entire world takes a collective break and the lungs of our earth take a giant breath of cleaner air. 

Check in on your people.  Check in on yourself.  Staying home is how we take care of the amazing heroes ready and willing to take care of us. 

We really will get through this together. 
And we will get through this. 

Hang in there. 
You really are that powerful.


By Laurie McAnaugh 16 Sep, 2021
Take Care of Yourself
By Laurie McAnaugh 05 Jan, 2021
We've all heard it over and over again these past few weeks. Maybe you've even said it yourself.

"Good riddance to 2020! Don't let the door hit you on the way out! Bring on 2021!"

I get it. It was a year that brought on many challenges.
Fear. Isolation. Illness. Discord. Unprecedented uncertainty.

Here's the interesting thing though. When I challenge this "Good Riddance" mantra, every single person is able to list so many beautiful moments from the last 12 months.

I would guess that's true for you, too.

So take a moment to breathe. Deeply. Right now.
What will you take with you from 2020?
What gifts? What insights? What habits? What non-negotiables? What unexpected treasures?

What changes do you want to keep?
Instead of rushing to slam the door on this past year, decide instead to gently close it with gratitude and positive anticipation of what's to come.
It has been a year that has created openings for entire paradigm shifts within each and every one of us.
And within our world.

Some of those shifts in 2021 will be amazing. Some may continue to feel like obstacles for awhile.

But we're all on this crazy ride doing the best we can with what we've got in this moment.
Let us continue to develop our own unique personal tool belts so that when life acts all "2020" on us, we've got the reserves to be able to hold our mental health strong while still seeing the multitude of blessings everywhere.

Let us seek to better honor our own humanity and the humanity in others by letting go of the self-defeating, stress-inducing burden of judgment.  And at the same time, let us hold ourselves accountable for rising up to higher ground.  

Because 2020 has strengthened us and we really are that powerful.


By Laurie McAnaugh 22 Dec, 2020
My husband, Todd and I recently spent a week in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. We make it a priority to spend time there at least a few times a year. It's a quiet, peaceful part of the world filled with mountains and snow-capped beauty.

We fill our days with simplicity. Long, scenic drives through the peaks and valleys, and hikes that lead us to places we’ll never forget.

The hikes are always an adventure. There’s just something about being alone in the woods, miles from civilization, without cell service.

As we navigate unfamiliar trails, the ground beneath our feet is sometimes wet and slippery. It takes all of our concentration and agility to safely stay the course (okay, just me- my husband is annoyingly fearless and freakishly agile). Occasionally, I can forget to stop, look up, and absorb the magnificent landscape.

Deep in the woods, the world becomes so still that every noise seems to intensify. The sounds of the scurrying wild, the forceful winter breezes that push the trees to their limits. The wind causes the bare birch trunks to creak, making haunting sounds that keep us on high alert. The sounds so intense at times, you wonder when a tree might fall, and where. But we brave the path ahead, not knowing exactly what the final destination will look like and what obstacles lie ahead. We just keep going.

To be in the middle of the cold, barren, breathless beauty completely disconnected to civilization, makes these excursions feel both risky and sacred at the same time. For this naturally cautious girl (did I mention my fear of wild animals?), these isolated walks in the wild bring on a mix of conflicting feelings and emotions:

Gratitude, concern, reverence, worry, wonder, apprehension, appreciation, uncertainty, and faith.

And when we finally arrive at an enchanting waterfall, I know it was worth the effort it took to get there.

Reminds me of 2020. So much to have felt anxious about. So much to appreciate. So much isolation. Yet so many reasons to trust that good is around the corner.

So we just keep going. We brave the unknown. No matter how slippery, and treacherous the journey has been, if we remember to pause and look around, we’ll find much beauty and opportunity to embrace.

Wishing you the sacredness of simplicity this holiday season and a 2021 filled with love, connection and exciting new adventures.
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