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When Calm Feels Uncomfortable: Learning to Feel Safe Without Chaos
When life begins to settle, calm can feel surprisingly uncomfortable. In recovery, learning to feel safe may take time, support and gentle practice. Explore why quiet can leave you restless, how to approach steadiness at your own pace, and what it means to build a meaningful, connected life without constant chaos.
Leigh-Anne Brierley
Oct 129 min read


Fight, Flight, Freeze and Fawn: Recognising Your Recovery Survival Responses
There are moments in recovery when our reactions seem to arrive before we have had a chance to think. Somebody’s tone changes and we immediately become defensive. A difficult conversation leaves us wanting to escape. We agree to something we do not want because disappointing another person feels unbearable. We receive an upsetting message and suddenly find ourselves unable to move, speak or decide what to do next. Later, when the intensity has passed, we may look back and won
Leigh-Anne Brierley
Oct 511 min read


Your Body Often Knows You’re Struggling Before Your Mind Does
Your body often knows you’re struggling before your mind has found the words. Explore how stress, emotional overload and recovery challenges can appear as physical signals, and learn to respond with curiosity, compassion and practical care.
Leigh-Anne Brierley
Sep 2210 min read


It’s Not Just the Trigger: Understanding What Really Raises Relapse Risk
Triggers matter in recovery, but they are only part of the picture. This post explores the connection between triggers and relapse risk, and how recognising when you are under-resourced can help you respond with greater awareness, choice and support.
Leigh-Anne Brierley
Sep 1510 min read


Managing Cravings in Recovery: A Craving Is Information, Not an Instruction
Cravings can feel urgent, convincing and overwhelming — but they are not commands. Learn how mindfulness, curiosity and practical recovery tools can help you understand what a craving is telling you and create more space between urge and action.
Leigh-Anne Brierley
Sep 810 min read


Beyond Willpower: Building Sustainable Recovery
Recovery takes more than determination. Sustainable change is built through structure, supportive systems, healthy habits, connection and practical tools that still work when motivation is low. In this post, we explore how moving beyond willpower can help you build a recovery that is realistic, resilient and designed to last.
Leigh-Anne Brierley
Aug 2813 min read
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