Take a slow,
Deep breath,
And let it out as a sigh if it feels right.
Your body might still feel tight right now,
And that's normal.
You might also be replaying parts of the conversation or thinking of things you wish you had said,
And it can feel really exposing to show up and to try to explain yourself and your child to people who only see a slice of your life,
And doing that can leave you feeling stretched.
Advocating takes energy,
Holding your ground takes energy,
Staying calm when you're feeling questioned takes energy.
So,
If you're feeling tired right now,
That makes sense.
And for now,
I want to welcome you here.
Let's work through softening some of that stored energy.
Allow your shoulders to soften a little bit,
Let your jaw unclench,
And feel your feet on the floor.
And let's take one slow breath in through your nose,
And a steady breath out.
You're allowed to pause.
Give yourself permission to arrive here fully,
Just as you are.
This moment is for you.
You may choose to repeat these affirmations to yourself,
Or you can simply listen and allow the words to settle with you.
Whatever feels more resonant with you is perfectly okay.
Let's begin.
I can move through this moment.
I can let my body settle.
I do not have to solve everything tonight.
I am allowed to rest after hard conversations.
I am responding to something complex.
It makes sense that this feels heavy.
It does not mean I'm failing.
I am learning as I go.
I can adjust without attacking myself.
I know my child.
I see what others may miss.
I am a steady presence.
Even when I feel shaken,
I am steady underneath.
I am a great parent.
Not because I have perfect words,
But because I keep showing up.
I am enough for my child,
Exactly as I am.
I do my best in every moment.
Let that steadiness settle a little deeper.
You don't have to carry the whole future right now.
Just this next small moment.
Carry this steadiness with you as you move back into your day.
You can return to these words anytime you need to recuperate from a difficult meeting or conversation.
Wishing you a good rest of your day.