The “safe place"

Everybody needs at least one safe place in this life. We need to have a place where we can go and feel okay without fear of being hurt or judged.

My heart breaks to think that so many people are suffering in places where they once felt safe.

I have been in places where I thought I was safe and they turned out to be horrible spaces that I couldn't survive in.

I am praying everyday for a better society, I am sure many people do the same.

In South Africa, women don't feel safe. We cringe every time we walk past a male, whether in broad daylight or at night. We don't know what they are thinking or what they could do to harm us.

I was sitting pondering on this notion of a "safe place", that if every woman or a child could have at least one place they could go to and feel safe.

I was to be able to at least have four places in my mind I would be safe in.

The first one is with God. He knows all my fears and I trust him with my life.

The second safe place is my home, with my children and my husband. I can be myself without being afraid. I am loved and protected. Most of all I am able to be a safe place for them in return. When I'm safe they are safe.

My third safe place is my parent's home, there is no place like it. It's special and I am supported and protected when I am there.

My fourth place is my mother-in-law's house. I am treated like a child I am cared for and my opinion matters.

All four of these places I know that if hell or high water comes, I will be able to run to them without fear.

I am acknowledging that many women in this country do not have a safe place.

My prayer is that every woman or child could have at least one safe place, where they can go and be protected.

Let us ask ourselves this question: Is there anyone who can consider us as their safe space?

I am hoping that many can see me as their “safe place”. - Avuyile Mngxitama-Diko #rookielifecoach