Tag Archives: joy feels unsafe

A modern African-American woman in her 30s reaches toward a radiant golden light with eyes closed and a joyful expression. Vibrant butterflies in shades of orange, purple, and teal emerge from her glowing chest, symbolizing transformation. She wears a stylish off-shoulder beige top, and her natural curly hair is tied in a bun. The background is deep blue with lightning-like cracks and faint shadowy hands, creating a dramatic contrast between light and darkness.

Why Joy Feels Unsafe—And How to Make It Yours Again

“You don’t fear joy. You fear what came next.” Why joy feels unsafe isn’t a metaphor—it’s a pattern your body learned. The moment happiness lands, your muscles tense. Breathing tightens. A silent alarm goes off in your system, hijacking what should feel like ease. To be clear, this isn’t dysfunction. It’s a brilliant adaptation your…

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