Hi ,

You know those topics you’re meant to avoid when you’ve got friends round for dinner? 🍽️

Like politics…or religion…the sorts of topics that matter deeply and can stir emotion.

But conversations have a way of drifting there anyway…and someone shares an opinion that’s different to yours…

And at first, it’s fine. Then the tone shifts slightly...

The conversation gets more animated. Maybe a little heated...and there’s a sense that you need to speak up, or defend your point of view.

You notice your face starting to flush 😳

There’s a tightening in your throat. Your chest feels tense. Maybe you even feel a bit nauseous...

Suddenly, you’re very aware of yourself - as in how you’re coming across, what you’re about to say, whether you should say anything at all.

What do you do?🤔

Most people would like to get their point across calmly and clearly, right?

But for some of us (definitely me), something else happens.

You either clam up completely and say nothing…or you blurt things out, get overwhelmed or upset, and somehow still don’t feel heard in the way you want.

Conflict. Ugh 😮‍💨

Moments like this can feel much bigger than they “should”.

Logically, you know you’re an adult sitting at a table with friends and it's healthy and normal not to agree on everything.

But your body reacts anyway - you might feel smaller, more emotional, more defensive, or desperate to explain yourself or smooth things over.

➡️ But here’s the gentle truth: it’s often not really about the conversation happening now.

Your nervous system is recognising something familiar...

Moments where being misunderstood, challenged, or disagreed with once felt unsafe.

A younger part learned early how to cope...maybe by staying quiet, avoiding disagreement, or working hard to keep the peace - and that response can still show up automatically.

It's okay to feel like this, you are not broken.

It’s just your system doing what it learned to do to protect you.

This is where gentle inner child work can be supportive - helping the body settle in the present so you can stay grounded in moments like these, rather than being pulled into old patterns.

And if you ever feel like you need a bit more support with that, I’ve created a calm, audio-led inner child healing series designed to offer steady, guided support at your own pace.

You can learn more about it here if you’d like - no pressure 💙

Learn more

If clicking into something deeper doesn’t feel right for you today, that’s completely okay.

In moments like these, even gently tapping on the side of your hand under the table, or giving yourself permission to pause and say: "I’d like to think about that" can help your nervous system settle.

You don’t have to respond immediately to be understood.

Sometimes the most supportive thing you can do is create a little space between what’s said…and how you choose to respond.

And afterwards, whatever did or didn’t happen in the conversation, try to offer yourself the same kindness you so often extend to others.

Moments like this can bring up a lot, and it’s okay if you didn’t respond perfectly.

You’re human.

And you’re allowed to go gently with yourself too.

With love,

P.S. If you’re unsure, curious, or want to ask anything before deciding, you can simply reply to this email. There’s no pressure - I’m here and happy to help.

The current $17 rate is available until Sunday, if it feels like the right time for you: https://members.tappingassociation.com/invitation?code=J9B8AF