If you are in crisis in the U.S., call or text 988.

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Leaving Early Still Counts

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Leaving early still counts as going. You showed up and listened to your body.

A lot of us make it to the dinner, the store, or the kid's game, feel the wave start building, and leave early. Then the story kicks in: "I couldn't even handle that."

Here's the realer version. You went. Your body sounded an alarm, and you took care of yourself instead of white-knuckling it. Your nervous system learns from showing up at all, not only from staying until the end.

Today, try one small thing: if you leave something early, say "I went, and I listened to myself" out loud or in your head. Count it.

We are peer support, not medical advice. In the U.S., call or text 988 if you are in crisis.

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