In this powerful solo episode, Melissa Wilkinson uncovers what survival mode really is—and how it affects your mind, body, and soul. She vulnerably shares her own story of living in chronic stress without even realizing it, including a wake-up call diagnosis of shingles in her 30s. Melissa walks us through the physiological toll of fight-or-flight living, and more importantly, how we can begin stepping into sacred rhythms that bring rest, peace, and alignment with God.

Whether you're juggling motherhood, a career, or simply overwhelmed by the noise of life, this episode will help you: ✔ Understand what survival mode looks and feels like ✔ Learn how scripture calls us to REST, not hustle ✔ Discover practical ways to start your day with God ✔ Use tools like breathwork and rhythm-based routines to calm your nervous system ✔ Reclaim your peace and begin dreaming again

Key Scriptures Mentioned 📖 Exodus 33:14 – “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 📖 Luke 5:16 – “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” 📖 Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.”

Highlights & Takeaways

• Survival mode is more than a mindset—it’s a physiological state driven by stress hormones like cortisol.
• Melissa’s personal health crisis led her to realize how much stress was running her life.
• Rest is not a reward for productivity—it’s a requirement for living in your God-given purpose.
• Start simple: coffee, candle, and Christ. Build your morning faith time in small, sacred ways.
• Breathing intentionally (box breathing or breath prayers) signals safety to your body and calms anxiety.
• Rhythms > rigid routines. Build margin into your day for joy, stillness, and communion with God.

If this episode struck a chord and you're tired of feeling stuck, I want to personally invite you to schedule a FREE 45-minute Anchored Insights Discussion with me.

This is a safe, supportive space to identify the thoughts that are holding you back, gain clarity, and explore how we can rewrite your inner narrative together.

📅 Book your session here Or just shoot me an email — I’d truly love to connect! melissa@anchoredwithpurpose.com

Melissa’s Morning Ritual Tip ☕ Coffee. 🕯️ Candle. ✝️ Christ. Start your day in the quiet presence with God before the world demands your energy.

Try This 🧘‍♀️ Box Breathing: Inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4. Repeat 3–5x. 🙏 Breath Prayer: “Jesus, be my peace. Anchor me in You.” 📔 Build your rhythm: Add spiritual routines into your planner. Include what grounds you, not just what “gets done.”

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Where are my planner girls at?! 🙋🏻‍♀️ If you light up at the thought of fresh pages, colorful pens, and a new month to organize, this episode is for YOU. And if planning feels a little overwhelming, don’t worry—I’m breaking it down to make it simple and fun. 🌈

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• Why planning isn’t just about productivity—it’s about living intentionally and stewarding your time well.
• A powerful scripture (Ephesians 5:15–16) to guide your time management with faith.
• How I plan my year, month, and week—from my giant dry-erase wall calendar to my digital and paper planners.
• How color-coding and 15-minute increments help me stay focused and reduce decision fatigue.
• Why leaving margin is one of the best gifts you can give yourself (yes, white space is holy too!).
• Fun brain science facts on how planning boosts dopamine and motivation 🎉
• And why I’ll take planner dopamine over doom-scrolling any day! 🙌

✨ Whether you're a seasoned planner or just getting started, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling empowered to take back your time and use it to build a life that’s anchored in purpose.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Ephesians 5:15–16 — “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise but as wise…”
• My favorite planning tools: big dry-erase annual calendar, Google calendar, and a 15-minute increment paper planner
• Want help building a planning system that works for your life? Book an Anchored Insights coaching call with me!

COMING SOON: 🎉 The Anchored with Purpose Planner is launching in late 2025—and all my coaching clients will get their own copy!

If this episode helped you, would you share it with a friend who loves a good planner too? And remember… stay anchored with purpose.

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⚓️ Have you ever felt so passionately about something that you thought about tattooing it on your body? In this heart-to-heart episode, Melissa shares a personal reflection on one of her favorite Bible passages: Philippians 4:6–8 — the scripture she uses as a prayer framework and has even considered tattooing on her body!

She dives deep into the meaning behind this verse, exploring how it’s not just inspirational, but transformational. Melissa walks you through the scripture, verse by verse, sharing how God gives us a path out of anxiety through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving — and how He promises peace that transcends understanding.

She also ties in neuroscience, quoting Dr. Caroline Leaf to show how our thoughts physically impact our brains. With practical takeaways, examples from her own life, and encouragement rooted in faith, Melissa challenges us to rethink what we focus on — and gives you simple habits to begin renewing your mind today.

Want some one-on-one time with Melissa? Schedule your FREE Anchored Insights Discussion and Melissa will spend time with you discussing your biggest goals, dreams, and how to overcome the limiting beliefs and challenges holding you back.

Philippians 4:6–8 (ESV)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

• Why this scripture matters: Melissa shares why Philippians 4:6–8 is so meaningful to her personally and spiritually.
• God’s peace explained: It’s not the absence of problems — it’s the presence of His protection.
• Prayer framework: Learn how to use prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving to turn worry into worship.
• The neuroscience connection: Dr. Caroline Leaf’s research confirms that our thoughts physically change our brains.
• Philippians 4:8 in practice: What we think about matters — and God tells us exactly what to focus on.

Ask yourself:

• What are you consuming (TV, music, podcasts) that might be increasing your anxiety?
• Are you feeding your fear — or your faith?

• Website: anchoredwithpurpose.com
• Instagram: @anchoredwithpurpose
• Facebook Group: Anchored with Purpose Tribe
• Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal – Melissa’s tool to help you deepen your prayer life using Philippians 4:6–8.

If this episode blessed you, share it with a friend and leave a review to help more mamas find peace, purpose, and practical faith!