Thank you <@8BwS8J64a8gqRCr1MKmdWVLZgOo2> and <@N4X2Ovufb4Y1QA5vTRrTVBhZ5EV2> for a wonderful end of year conversation about "Anchoring" and allowing ourselves to choose the emotional response we want during hard times. I think it was a great discussion and I think you guys had some great discussion points throughout! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year because I will likely not be able to run the Talking About sessions for the next two weeks. Be well, and many blessings to all! 

The power of Anchoring lies in its ability to help you take control of your emotions. Everyone has moments when they feel nervous, unsure, or overwhelmed, but by anchoring positive emotions, you can shift your state of mind when you need it most. You might have heard of athletes like Michael Jordan or Serena Williams, who seem unshakable during high-pressure moments. Well, they likely use some form of anchoring in their routines.
Take Michael Jordan, for example. Before every game, Jordan had specific rituals—tying his shoes in a certain way, listening to particular music, or visualizing his performance. These actions weren’t just about superstition; they were about creating anchors to help him feel focused, calm, and confident. Jordan knew that by doing these things, he could tap into those emotions that helped him perform at his best.
You, too, can create your own set of anchors for different situations. Whether you're about to speak in front of the class, take a math test, or perform in a play, you can develop anchors that give you the emotional strength to handle any challenge. Instead of letting fear or doubt take over, you can use your anchor to bring yourself back to a place of confidence and readiness.
How to Build an Anchor
Building an anchor is like training a muscle—it requires practice and consistency. Here’s how you can start:
    1. Identify a Positive Experience: Think of a time when you felt confident, happy, or strong. Maybe you scored the winning goal in a game, gave an excellent presentation, or simply felt proud of an achievement. The more vivid the memory, the stronger the anchor will be.
    2. Focus on the Emotion: Close your eyes and recall this experience in as much detail as possible. What were you feeling at that moment? What was going through your mind? The key is to really connect with the positive emotion that you felt. The more intense the emotion, the stronger the anchor will be.
    3. Choose Your Trigger: While you're experiencing those positive feelings, choose a gesture or word that you can easily repeat. It could be pressing your thumb and finger together, tapping your foot, or even saying a word like "calm" or "strong." The idea is to make the trigger unique and easy for you to do in any situation.
    4. Repeat the Process: Over time, you need to repeat the process. Each time you bring up that positive feeling and pair it with your chosen gesture or word, you're strengthening the connection. Eventually, you’ll be able to use your anchor whenever you need to tap into those feelings.