One of the things I’m learning more and more about is the nervous system and how much it influences our experience of pain. For years, I thought pain meant damage. If something hurt, something must be wrong. But the more I learn, the more I realise that pain is so much more complex than that. Our brain and nervous system are constantly trying to keep us safe. They take in information from our body, our emotions, our stress levels, our memories, our beliefs, our environment, and create an experience. Pain is one of those experiences. That doesn’t mean the pain is “all in your head”. It’s real. Very real. But it does mean that a body that has been under stress, trauma, fear, grief or constant pressure can become more protective. More vigilant. The alarm system gets turned up. And if the nervous system can learn protection, it can also learn safety. This is why things like art, fascia release, slowing down, breathing, connection, joy, movement, feeling emotions and being deeply listened to can make such a difference. They’re not distractions. They’re signals of safety. I’m fascinated by this. Not because I think there’s one magic answer, but because understanding this has changed how I relate to my own pain. Less fighting. Less fear. More curiosity. And honestly, that shift alone has been huge. I’m still learning. But what I know for sure is this: We are far more than broken bodies waiting to be fixed. Our nervous systems are listening to everything. And sometimes healing begins when we stop asking, “What’s wrong with me?” and start asking, “What is my body trying to protect me from?”

And she has severe epilepsy. I’ve cared for her for ever and it’s hard to let go of that. This is a candid chat about what it’s like to have a Hayley in my life. Spoiler…..it’s wonderful and she’s amazing and teaches me every day 🧡