I was not sure what to expect but knew I needed to regain focus/vision to forge ahead in my PhD program.


The theme I went in with was a need for balance in my life, and Gretchen totally facilitated my ability to clearly see what I need to do to accomplish this balance in all areas.

- Pam R.


Anchored During Chaos: Caring for Yourself When the World Feels Unsteady

Gretchen Wood

Lately, the world has felt like it’s constantly shifting beneath our feet, so it’s hard not to feel the heavy weight of uncertainty pressing down. The headlines are relentless, conflicts are escalating, and the future feels more unpredictable than ever. It’s no wonder so many of us are feeling overwhelmed, lost, and powerless to change anything.


If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone. I've had more people than ever reaching out feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. The chaos is real, and it’s okay to feel scared, frustrated, or exhausted. It’s okay to grieve the world you thought you knew. It’s okay to feel powerless in the face of forces bigger than yourself.




It’s important to allow yourself to feel the full weight of what you’re carrying. Let yourself be honest about your fear, anger, or sorrow.
Holding it in won’t make it go away. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply sit with your emotions for a while, letting them be without forcing them to change. The emotions you're feeling are valid.


But even with all of this chaos, we can still search for and find hope. And, I don't mean that shallow kind of optimism that pretends everything is fine, but the kind of hope that acknowledges the darkness and still searches for light. The kind of hope that whispers, “This is not the end of the story.”



Hope is found in small, steady acts of resilience. When the world feels out of control, the most powerful thing you can do is to care for yourself in small, meaningful ways.  These don’t need to be grand gestures or expensive self-care routines. Sometimes, finding hope looks like:

  • Taking a 10-minute walk outside, even if it’s just around your block, to feel the fresh air, the sunlight on your face, and reconnect with the world around you.
  • Coloring or doodling, letting your mind wander as you create something just for the joy of it.
  • Savoring your favorite hot beverage, allowing yourself to truly taste and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings.
  • Breathing deeply, taking just a few minutes to close your eyes and focus on the rise and fall of your chest.
  • Listening to a favorite song that lifts your spirit, dancing around your kitchen without caring how it looks.




  • Watching the events going on outside your window, giving yourself permission to simply be for a moment.
  • Stretching your body gently, feeling the tension release with each movement.
  • Writing down three things you’re grateful for, no matter how small, to remind yourself that good things still exist.
  • Lighting a candle and watching the flame flicker, grounding yourself in the present moment.
  • Texting or calling a loved one, just to say hello and feel that connection.
  • Doing something kind for someone else, even a small act of generosity can remind you of your own strength and goodness.


You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to fix the world’s problems today. You just need to keep moving forward, one small step at a time. In the middle of chaos, focus on the things you can controltaking care of your body, nurturing your heart, and connecting with others who understand your struggle.



Sometimes hope looks like rest. Sometimes it looks like crying. Sometimes it looks like taking action, even in the smallest ways, to create pockets of peace in the chaos. Taking time to ground and anchor yourself from within creates a sense of inner stability that the outside world can not shake.


The world is going to continue to shift and rumble, so remember that you're still here, still breathing, still capable of choosing how you respond. And in that choice, no matter how small, lies your power. If today all you can do is hold on, then that's enough. Tomorrow will be here soon, and with it, a new chance to find light in the darkness.


You're not alone in this. We're navigating this chaos together. And even now, hope is quietly waiting to be found—in the smallest actions, in the simplest pleasures, and in the gentle care you offer yourself.


Wishing you many moments of peace and joy,


Gretchen

SOMATIC TRAUMA SPECIALIST + ENERGETIC INTUITIVE

SHARE THIS POST


By Gretchen Wood February 2, 2025
Recognize and survive the signs of gaslighting, coercive control, and manipulation.
By Gretchen Wood January 26, 2025
Nourish yourself through the winter with these cozy self-care practices.
More Posts
Share by: