A big part of safer means not just objective safety, but the perception that I’m safe. Or at least, safe enough. Fight or flight (or freeze, or fawn) are states of being that can solidify into days, months, years, even. They lock us up. They feel immovable, and can feel hopeless.

Spring does come. We can thaw. But the magic moment when ice turns to liquid and flows again happens only after degree upon degree of warming. Even though nothing looks different, change is coming. Even though chronic and unrelenting stress may have a deep hold of your heart and mind and body, little caring actions (by others, by you) matter. Don’t give up if the ice doesn’t break right away.

Spring does come.

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