Summer has a way of whispering, “Hey... maybe take a breath?”
The days stretch longer, the pace slows down (sometimes), and the world smells like sunscreen and BBQ sauce. It’s the season of exhaling - if we let it be.
But for survivors - especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community - summer can bring a mixed bag. Pride Month can be a time of celebration, community, and glittery fabulousness… and it can stir up grief, anxiety, or a deep sense of “where do I fit in?”
So this month, I want to hand you a simple gift:
👉 Permission to soothe. Permission to slow. Permission to let your nervous system have its own little vacation.
Why Your Nervous System Deserves a Break (Yes, Even Yours)
When you’ve lived through trauma, your nervous system doesn’t always get the memo that it’s safe now. Even during “fun” moments - cookouts, crowds, Pride events, or even just sitting still - your body might be like,
“This is fine. Everything’s fine. Except it’s NOT. We’re all gonna die.”
Cue the tension, racing thoughts, irritability, and a strange urge to flee the farmer’s market because someone in the kale aisle smelled like your ex.
This isn’t because something’s wrong with you. It’s because your body got really, really good at protecting you. And now we’re helping it learn a new rhythm - one that doesn’t require constant emergency mode.
And lucky for us, summer is full of regulation-friendly options. Let’s take advantage.
Here are some gentle, body-loving ways to bring a little ease into your system this season!
🌿 Touch the Earth (Literally)
Put your bare feet in the grass, sand, or dirt. Hug a tree (no shame). Nature has this sneaky way of reminding your body that you’re here, now, and safe. Plus, it’s free therapy.
🍓 Savor Something Juicy
Pick a summer fruit - watermelon, berries, a popsicle that turns your tongue blue - and actually let yourself taste it. Sensory engagement is an amazing way to bring your body into the present.
🏳️🌈 Honor Pride in Your Own Way
There’s no “right” way to be queer or to celebrate Pride. If you want to be loud and fabulous - go for it! If you’d rather binge heartwarming queer rom-coms with your cat and a bowl of popcorn, that’s sacred too. Visibility is beautiful. So is rest.
❄️ Cool It Down
Use a cold cloth on the back of your neck. Keep peppermint oil nearby. Or try this: inhale through your nose, then exhale through pursed lips like you’re blowing out a birthday candle. Instant chill (literally and metaphorically).
🛑 Power Down to Power Up
Step away from your phone - yes, even TikTok - for just ten minutes. Lie down, breathe, stare at the ceiling fan like it’s giving a TED Talk. Give your nervous system a moment to do nothing, and it will thank you.
In Case You Needed This Reminder…
You don’t have to earn rest.
You don’t have to be happy all summer.
You don’t have to do Pride “right.”
You’re allowed to cry, to laugh, to dance, to nap - sometimes all in the same hour.
So this June, I hope you let your nervous system stretch out on a metaphorical beach chair with a good book and a cold drink. I hope you celebrate what you can, grieve what you need to, and find moments of unexpected joy.
Your healing is happening. Even now. Especially now.
And if no one’s told you yet today - I’m proud of you. 🌈
To healing!
P.S. If you're ready to take the next step in healing from abuse and would like to explore enrolling in the Beyond Surviving program, start by applying for a Discover Your Genuine Self Session.
Language and Legislation Through a Queer and Trans Lens
UPCOMING EVENTS
in partnership with CPTSD Foundation
June 9th
BREAKING THE SILENCE
This month, we’ll explore the many reasons it’s so difficult to break the silence including the many negative messages we receive about ourselves and how to find our voice.
Learn More & Register Here
Get ready to unlock your inner confidence & embrace self-trust in this empowering masterclass designed to help you harness your instincts & navigate life's uncertainties with self-assurance.
COMING FEBRUARY 2026!!
If you’re a woman who is feeling disconnected from your body, your sensuality, or that fire inside you—you’re not alone. Join us in Costa Rica for a soul-stirring, pleasure-filled week where we’ll melt away shame, awaken your desires, and help you fall wildly in love with yourself again.
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