CPTSD: Softer Life

Some of us grew up in noise—

not just loud rooms,

but loud emotions.

Chaos was normal.

Tension was home.

So when life gets quiet…we don’t relax—

we look around for what’s about to go wrong.

Why does peace feel uncomfortable?

Why does calm feel…off?

Because a nervous system raised on survival

doesn’t recognize safety right away.

It expects the storm.

It waits for the drop.

It confuses stillness with danger.

But hear this—

Nothing is wrong.

That feeling?

It’s not failure.

It’s not brokenness.

It’s your body learning a new language.

A language where calm doesn’t mean “brace yourself”—

it means you’re safe.

So when the quiet comes and your chest tightens—pause.

Breathe.

Remind yourself:

“I am not in danger. I am just healing.”

Because maybe this softer life isn’t something you’re losing—

maybe it’s something

you’re finally allowing.

-Dezi Golden

Poems