Safe, Secure, are we?

Safety and Security are two pretty important words, especially in today's world. It's about the ability to be vulnerable without being taken advantage of, or harmed whilst doing so. When you Google these words they talk about being protected from harm or danger. But what does harm or danger look like to you?

Is it physical harm? Emotional harm? Is it the danger of being manipulated, bullied or used in some way for another's gain? These are some of the examples I can think of sitting here as I write this post. But I'm sure there are plenty more.

And, what makes us feel safe and secure? Is it the home you live in? The people around you? The companionship of a pet(s)? Plenty things/people/stuff can add to a feeling, and it's helpful to know what makes us feel less or more safe and secure.

Especially now, with a world where war is rife. And for my fellow LGBTQ+ people reading this, it's also about our rights to public safety, to living our lives the way we want to, to feel authentically ourselves.

These issues can affect how safe we feel, and it's worth thinking about what makes us feel safer when there may be times we don't feel safe and secure.

It could be spending more time with friends. Trying to limit how much news you look at whilst being vigilant about what's happening around you (this can be a difficult balance). Giving yourself space when you need it. Having the comfort and companionship of others and/or pets.

My own cat Precious is very good at keeping people calm!

Whatever works for you, it's important to have those connections and those links to safety and security. And if you feel you need more, what might that look like? Who might you need? What tools do you need to feel safer in the world?