A Safe Space

 No matter what age we are, it is important that we feel safe. We should feel safe where we live, where we work and go to school to, and when we're out and about in our day to day lives. You see, the truth of the matter is that we may not always feel safe. Depending on what has happened in the past or seeing everything going on in our world today, there can definitely be feelings of uncertainty, which is real. We should be aware and alert of our surroundings at all times. Yet, we can't always avoid being hurt as sometimes it does come unexpectedly. However, we can choose people and environments that allow us to be ourselves and that are free from judgment. We can choose a circle of friends that will listen to us and allow us to vent, but also encourage us to grow 😊. We can choose to go places where we can be ourselves and we're appreciated. We can choose environments that will help us be the best version of ourselves. A safe place is somewhere where we don't have to feel like we're always doing something, but we can just be. It's a place we can get away from all the busyness. I know our society has us thinking we have to be doing something all the time (I'm guilty of this mindset before), but I've learned that doesn't have to be so. It's okay to just be 😊.  A safe place is someone who gets you, who you feel calm around, and who you can be yourself around. They're someone you can tell anything to, and you can trust them. You don't have to worry about what you tell them showing up in a social media post or story. I'm so grateful for the places and people that are my safe space 💖. One of those places is our school library. Not only do we have an amazing librarian, but the library is so cozy and welcoming. My class and I get to read there as a group on Thursdays. It's my favorite day of the week! Also, twice a week on Thursdays, I get to hang out with students at Bible Club after school. So, Thursday is definitely an all around special day for me 😊!! The library is a place I can get away from all the busyness and read. I also get to talk to our librarian, which I enjoy. Another safe space for me is my house! Favorite areas of my house include the living room, Momma's room, and outside in the yard. These are all places that remind me of my beautiful Mom and Dad who are no longer here and hold wonderful memories 💙💜. Those spaces also allow me to relax. Now, I will admit, it was hard to spend time in Momma's room when she first passed in 2020. Now, I've warmed up to it and have things spread out (she would be laughing for sure 😁!). I spend time in her room reading, painting my nails, and exercising 😊. I'm so grateful for my family and friends who are my safe space! If you're reading this right now, thank you!! In thinking about what and who are our safe spaces, I have a question for you. Are you a safe space? Can anyone come to you and share freely? Can anyone come to you and not be judged? Can people be themselves around you? Can they trust you to keep your word? This really hit me recently because one of my students wrote something in her writing response to a question in regards to feeling safe. In her response, she wrote that my English class was her favorite part of the day- that was very sweet 💖. She then went on to say I was understanding, calm and gave her second chances. She ended with something that had be re-read it and stop me in my tracks. She said I made her feel safe at school. I'm so glad she does! That is my goal! You see, I do pray daily that my class is a safe space for students and adults alike that walk through the doors. So, what I haven't told you is another safe space in my life- my classroom. Yes, I love my classroom 😊!! Yes, I know I have a lot to do and my paper trail seems like it grows a lot, but I also know I can be me and feel calm in my room. Safe spaces are important. We can know God will always be there for us (Psalms 46:1, Psalms 91:4, Nahum 1:7). Today, take time to think about the safe spaces you have in your life and who you can be a safe space to. Be thankful for the spaces and spend time there when you can. Change and adjust daily as needed. It all matters, and we matter, too 😊. I love you all and God bless you!