karin dancy

After lots of dancing to old school R&B and playing with Legos on his own, our second grader walked over to find me cleaning up our bedroom.

“Hey buddy, you okay?,” this mama asked after seeing his worried face. Wrapping his little arms around my waist, he replied quietly, “I’m OK. I just feel better sometimes when I can see you and hug you.”

I understood what he meant. I’m a safe space for him. After all, there’s just something about a warm mama hug that makes us feel everything will be alright, even for just a little while. 

And the truth is: We all need a safe space — a place, a moment, or a person — that helps us return to peace. I wrote about mine in last month’s post.

Along the way, I’ve learned a safe space isn’t always a physical location, though it can be. Maybe it’s the hush of a quiet room, the rhythm of waves at the beach, or the cozy corner of your favorite coffee shop. Sometimes, it’s an experience . . . a massage that melts away tension, the grounding sensation of walking barefoot in the grass, or the sacred stillness of a house of worship.

And sometimes, our safe space is a person. A dear friend who listens without judgment. A sibling who knows our story. A partner whose presence calms the storm. A trusted confidante who reminds us we’re not alone.

Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, safe spaces are gifts. They help regulate our nervous systems, offering rest to anxious minds and tender hearts. They remind us that peace isn’t something we must earn; it’s something we’re invited to receive — especially when we need it most.

So today, I gently encourage you to name your safe space. Where do you feel most like yourself? What brings your body and spirit into alignment? Who helps you breathe a little easier?

And if you’re still searching for answers to those questions, that’s okay. The journey to peace is sacred, and your safe space is simply waiting to be discovered.

Your Turn:
Do you have a safe space when your soul needs rest?
If so, tell me about it. 🤎