There is something nobody tells you about leaving a toxic work environment: the relief does not always show up right away. In this post, I share my personal journey through burnout and how an unexpected tool like laughter became a biological signal of safety for my nervous system. You do not have to be fully healed to deserve a moment of joy; sometimes, that joy is exactly what makes the deeper healing possible.

Alt Text: An infographic from Healing Arts Center (Virginia Beach), featuring the text: 'Reminder: Laughter is medicinal. It’s your body remembering how to feel safe enough to enjoy something.' The image features minimalist line art of a heart and brain connected by a glowing line, with booking details for healingartsvb.com on a sage green background.

When I was recovering from narcissistic abuse, somatic practices became a lifeline. What began as a way to calm anxiety and reconnect with my body eventually inspired me to become a somatic coach.

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A blurred, long-exposure photograph of a woman dancing on a dimly lit stage, her arms extended as her movement creates soft, flowing motion trails against a dark background.