Photo of the week: This is my cat’s current safe space. He feels secure and “held” here. It is a small place that I thought would feel cramped. But he goes there often. He seems to like the defined boundaries.

Once, years ago, my husband and I were staying with a friend who decided to invite other friends over. I found myself feeling uncomfortable and was not having a good time. My husband said, “It is okay to do what you need to feel emotionally safe. It is okay to take care of yourself.” So, I found a quiet room and essentially left the party. And it was okay.

I had created a boundary for myself. I took my husband’s words to heart and have shared them with others. We may feel as though we are obligated to be in situations where we are emotionally unsafe. It is important to take the time to explore when we truly have a responsibility to someone, and when we do not. Talking with a trusted person or journaling can help us see the situation more clearly.

So, if you need to hear this, I am telling you now, “It is okay to do what you need to feel emotionally safe. It is okay to take care of yourself.”