Our safe space

 Have you ever noticed, that whenever you approach that one person you smile for no apparent reason ? Deep down you feel the connection with the person, be it your boyfriend, friend, workmate or maybe your cousin... it's like they know what is in your mind. And yes, their appearance make you smile, get goosebumps and you just think to yourself how lucky you are to actually have crossed paths with them . Sometimes even when they cross your mind, you just smile. We get flashbacks and we just think of how we are trully blessed to have this people in our lives.Could this be our safe space ?

In a world that often feels overwhelming, filled with constant noise, expectations, and stress, we all yearn for something deeper something more grounding. We seek a place where we can just breathe, where we can take off our armor and simply be. But what if that safe space isn’t a location at all? What if, instead, it’s the people who surround us the ones who make us feel understood, seen, and loved?

Before, I dive into this very interesting topic. Let's define a safe space... I think a Safe space isn't just a space in nature, you know a space where you feel safe, comfortable and loved a place that feels like home. It isn't just a space in nature, this is about human. A person that feels like home to us, they make us feel wanted, don't question our appearance and they don't judge us. They listen to our side of story without judgement, speak for us even in our absences... 

The idea of a safe space in human form isn't just a comforting thought; it’s a necessity in our lives. It's the quiet presence of a friend who doesn't need to say anything to make you feel heard. It's the reassuring hug of a partner when you’re too overwhelmed to find the right words. It's the knowing smile of a parent who, even from a distance, understands what you’re going through.

I remember a time when everything seemed to be crumbling around me academics were stressful, relationships were strained, and I just didn’t know how to navigate the overwhelming chaos. I found myself, breaking down in tears… I cried loud, as my eyes began to swell out in a storm of frustration and fear. After a while, I felt lighter. No grand solutions. No perfect words. Just a whole moment of silenced tears connection that made me feel safe, even amidst the turmoil.

It’s easy to overlook the quiet strength of those who offer us this kind of refuge. We live in a world that celebrates doing, fixing, and achieving, but sometimes, the most meaningful act of care is just being there. I think of a time when I was struggling with my mental health. One of my closest friends didn’t push me to talk when I wasn’t ready. He just showed up, sat with me, and let me feel what I needed to feel without the pressure to "get better" immediately. It wasn’t about solving the problem; it was about allowing me the space to be myself.

Creating a safe space is a delicate balance of trust and vulnerability. When we’re in a place where we feel safe, we open up in ways we might not elsewhere. I recall a conversation with my cousin after a tough breakup. At that moment, I felt like my entire world had shifted, and yet, there was something healing in her words: “You’re allowed to hurt, and I’m here with you.” There was no judgment, no "you should’ve done this" or "you’ll be fine." Just an unwavering presence that let me know I wasn’t alone. She isn’t my safe space but she was present 🥹🫠.

It's moments like these that remind me how powerful it is to offer and receive trust. When we share our rawest emotions and fears with someone, we're letting them into our most vulnerable places. And in return, we often receive not solutions, but the comfort of knowing we’re not alone in that space. We don’t suffer in silence at the end of the day.

Sometimes, being a safe space for someone isn’t about knowing the right thing to say. It's about creating a space where they can be real with you. I think of a time when a close friend came to me, not looking for advice, but just for a place to vent. Instead of offering solutions, I listened. And by the end of the conversation, she said something that stuck with me: “I feel so much better just talking it through with you. It’s like you gave me permission to feel what I needed to feel.”

I realized then that offering someone the space to express their pain, their joy, or their confusion is sometimes the most powerful gift we can give. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. We don’t always have to "fix" things sometimes, simply allowing someone to be themselves without fear of judgment is enough.

In our busy lives, we often forget how important it is to have someone we can lean on. A safe space is a refuge, a place where we can breathe, even when the rest of the world seems to be rushing past us. It’s not about escaping reality; it’s about feeling grounded in the midst of it. And I’ve found that these spaces of trust, understanding, and care allow us to grow not just as individuals, but as a community.

I think about how many times a simple gesture like a phone call from a friend, a quiet evening with a loved one, or a random text just to check in has been the moment I needed to feel at peace again. These small acts create a sense of belonging and offer comfort in ways that words often can’t.

But as much as we need these safe spaces, the question is: How often do we offer them to others? Are we creating spaces for the people around us to feel seen, heard, and valued? When was the last time you allowed someone to simply be themselves with you, without judgment, without expectations, just as they are?

Perhaps the next time someone comes to you with their heart on their sleeve, you could offer them that safe space. Maybe you don’t need to fix anything sometimes, just being there is enough. Just listening as they spit out their thoughts and emotions. Never be the one to always judge others, listen but with your heart.

Who is your safe space, and why do you think you chose them ?