Her Safe Space
Before diving deep, I wanted to take the time to share a definition. When we hear this word, it takes a matt der of a split second for us to say what this word meant. However, I wanted to start with the exact meaning from the dictionary.
Safe- protected from one or not exposed to danger or risk; not likely to be harmed or lost.
Space- a continuous area or expanse which is free, available or unoccupied
When you combine these two words while looking at their definitions collectively, you'll get a continuous area that is available to where one feels protected or not exposed to danger, risk or the possibility to be harmed. It's a mouthful, but it makes sense, a lot of sense. How many of us had multiple spaces or spaces where we felt safe? Some of us had several, while others had little to none. Due to not having a safe space some of us ended up going to or engaging with things and people that weren't safe or healthy for us. Some of us never shared much of anything to anyone. While others, learned to live in a constant state of fight or flight and it showed. As adults, some of us still struggle with this. In spit of this, my question is, does your daughter have a safe space? Is that safe space you or home? Is it a family member or a close trusted friend? Is is when she is in a certain physical place or engaging in an activity?
Not only do we all deserve a safe space, but we need it, including your daughter. The question now is, how does one create a genuine and authentic safe space?
A safe space is a person or place that is:
healthy and not toxic
does not harm
allows one to feel comfortable
where they are
allows one to be open with who they are, what they think, feel and have to say
Supportive of the person as a whole
Caring towards the person as a whole
If you feel like you haven't been that safe space for your daughter, it's never too late. You can always start now.