I watch a lot of animal videos on the internet, a lot of them are rescue or foster. One of the things I have discovered, when it comes to feral cats and kittens, is the phrase 'hisses get kisses'.

The idea is that if a kitten is hissing and angry and anxious, you treat them with love and care, and show safe behaviours. You keep trying until you build trust.

Feelings are sometimes like that. My anxiety is spiky at times, and instead of pushing it away, or reacting with anxiety, I need to step closer and give myself love.

These past few months have been about stepping closer and not abandoning myself when my feelings are a lot, or not aligned with how I want to be (or am) right now. I've been building trust in myself, and learning how to work in this new way.