u/automaticc1122

I have an environment I really like. I like my flat, I have great friends and a supportive family, I enjoy my job, the place I live, and I do things I enjoy. And still it’s really difficult for me to feel a sense of safety inside myself.

I live alone and in the evenings my biggest desire is often to have someone to cuddle with. I find myself thinking about past relationships and I’ve realized that dating gives me a lot of co-regulation. I think I’m craving a sense of safety that I don’t fully feel right now.

I’m a normal weight, but I’ve gained a few kilos over the past months. Even though I’m mindful about my diet and exercise regularly, the weight isn’t coming off. I notice I can spiral for hours about my body and how unhappy I am with it. I’m starting to wonder if this is less about my body and more about trying to create a sense of safety through control.

I’m wondering if it’s possible to build a deeper sense of safety through practices like TRE. I don’t want to constantly rely on other people for regulation and I also don’t want to be stuck in obsessive focus on my body.

Has anyone experienced something similar or found ways that helped them work with this?

I’ve been told a few times that I’m an “old soul“ because of my sensitivity, depth, and also the things I’ve been through in life.

I’m in my early 30s and I do want children, but I don’t have a partner right now.

Now a friend of mine told me he heard that “old souls” tend to remain child-free. That really triggered something in me.

What do you think about this? Is there any truth to this idea or is it just a strange generalization?

I was in a restaurant today and they asked me if I wanted to be in a video for their social media account. I was supposed to try some drinks and say how they taste.

I said yes way too quickly. I haven’t seen the video yet, but it’s going to be posted on a pretty big social media account in the next few days. I live in a small town, so a lot of people I know will probably see it.

I always look so stiff and awkward on camera, and now I’m really scared of the video and feel deeply ashamed about it. Can’t think about anything else anymore and don‘t know what to do.

Were there months or moments in your TRE journey that felt especially meaningful, where a lot happened, where you suddenly felt different or where something seemed to release or shift?

I’m curious to hear your experiences for motivation