You'll Almost Never See Me Without This Necklace

If you've ever met me in person, you've probably noticed I wear the same necklace almost every day, it's a St. Christopher medallion.

People may assume I wear it because I'm Catholic, some may know it was blessed by the Pope, but they're not the reason I wear it every day.

The truth is, this necklace is one of my favorite grounding tools.

St. Christopher, is traditionally known as the patron saint of travelers. For generations, people have carried a St. Christopher medal as a reminder of protection, guidance, and safe passage through life's journeys.

Whether you're traveling across the country, traversing to work across town or simply navigating an especially difficult season of life, I think there's something especially comforting about that symbolism.

Life asks all of us to travel through uncertainty.

Sometimes that journey looks like anxiety.

Sometimes it's grief.

Sometimes it's a strained relationship, a medical diagnosis, parenting challenges, or simply trying to hold everything together while wondering if anyone notices how hard you're trying.

As a therapist, I have the privilege of walking alongside people through many of those journeys. Every day I witness extraordinary courage as people face pain, loss, change, and hope.

Like everyone else, I have days when life feels busy, emotionally heavy, or overwhelming. And without even thinking about it, I often find myself reaching for my necklace.

That simple gesture reminds me to pause.

To breathe.

To notice this moment instead of getting swept away by the next one.

To remind myself that I am safe right now.

That feeling of safety is incredibly important.

When our nervous system senses safety, our minds become clearer, our breathing slows, and we're better able to respond instead of simply react. While no object can remove life's challenges, meaningful objects can gently remind us to return to the present and reconnect with the steady part of ourselves.

For me, that's what this necklace represents.

Safety.

Presence.

Trust.

A reminder that I don't have to carry the weight of the entire journey all at once.

One step at a time is enough.

One breath at a time is enough.

One conversation at a time is enough.

What I love most about grounding is that it doesn't have to be religious, and it certainly doesn't have to look like my necklace.

Your grounding object might be your wedding ring, a bracelet from someone you love, a smooth stone from your favorite beach, a favorite coffee mug, a family photograph, or even the scent of a candle that reminds you of home.

The object itself isn't where the comfort comes from.

The comfort comes from the meaning you've given it.

As therapists, we often teach grounding exercises because they help calm an overwhelmed nervous system. But grounding doesn't always have to involve counting, breathing techniques, or mindfulness exercises.

Sometimes it begins with something much simpler.

Something you already carry with you.

Something that quietly reminds you:

"I'm here."

"I'm safe."

"I can take the next step."

I'd love to leave you with a question.

What object helps you feel grounded?

Not because it's expensive or extraordinary, but because it reminds you of who you are, what you value, or where you find safety in a sometimes chaotic world.

Sometimes the smallest things become the strongest anchors.