Becoming the Safe Space We Once Needed - By Miss Surya Shekhawat

Written By: Miss Surya Shekhawat

Category: Essay

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Miss Surya Shekhawat's essay, "Becoming the Safe Space We Once Needed," graces the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 in the Essay category. Her insightful work delves into the essence of creating an environment where understanding takes precedence over judgment. The piece encourages readers to reflect on the importance of providing emotional support and being the safe haven we once sought, resonating with those navigating the complexities of human connections.

About the Work

The essay reflects on the nuances of being a safe space, emphasizing understanding and empathy over mere agreement. Miss Surya Shekhawat articulates a need for emotional honesty, exploring how mutual respect and communication foster supportive environments. Her writing invites introspection, urging individuals to cultivate spaces of trust and emotional balance, both for themselves and others.

Becoming the Safe Space we once needed

Original Submission by Miss Surya Shekhawat

Becoming the Safe Space We Once Needed

Subtitle: Less judgment, more understanding.

Most of us like those people who are obedient enough to agree with us, listen to us, and are less or not so opinionated. Only those people fit into our mindset who talk as per our liking or agree with our way of thinking. But is this what we really call a safe space?

Has being a safe space for someone become dependent on agreeing with their thoughts? All these things may be considered as a mark of being respectful, acceptable, or standing tall like the most knowledgeable and experienced person among all. However, in this whole process, we often neglect creating a safe space for the people around us.

But why does this happen? Is it because we fail to trust ourselves and believe that we ourselves can become the safe space we keep searching for in others? It is also true that not everything is for everyone. But what if it is for someone? Then why not become that support for them?

Are we so deeply indulged in our own lives that we forget to become that safe space where someone can share their heart out? We can be at different places in life depending on our situations - either among those who want to share, or among those who can provide that space to share. It is very much possible that once we were the ones searching for a safe space to blurt things out, and now we are providing the same for others, or vice versa.

We fail to become that soft-hearted, sensitive, and non-judgmental human being with whom our family, friends, or anyone else feels comfortable sharing their story, experiences, or emotions. We do not have to agree with everything they say, not at all. But we should understand that they can have a different view about the same situations, people, or experiences.

Sometimes people are not looking for solutions or advice; they simply want someone who listens without making them feel wrong for what they feel. But at the same time, it is also important to communicate clearly whether we want advice, understanding, or simply a space to express ourselves. Otherwise, many times people only look for temporary emotional relief while continuing to fall into the same unhealthy patterns again and again.

While providing a safe space to people, having healthy boundaries in every aspect helps both us and the other person in many ways.

We should also understand that the person providing that emotional space is also a human being, not a wall that only listens without feeling anything. Healthy conversations, mutual understanding, and emotional balance from both sides are necessary.

Also, we can be on either side of the chair. While providing emotional space to others, sometimes that same person may also need support for themselves. After all, we cannot forget that we all are emotional beings; human beings. We have to keep working on ourselves in order to serve others better. That cycle of cleaning our mind is necessary and has to remain consistent. Having this understanding that our own bowl also needs to be cleaned and filled with empathy, honesty, kindness, and humility makes us a human being with many possibilities - both to provide and to receive.

The current time we are living in is full of both the highest and the lowest possibilities. How we prepare and polish ourselves in terms of behavior, thoughts, intentions, and actions will decide which side of the table we will be sitting on. Always being on the receiving side, constantly sipping from the bowls of others just to survive enough, or also becoming someone on the provider side of the table - if not always, then at least majorly.

A truly safe space is not built through agreement all the time; it is built through understanding, presence, emotional honesty, and mutual respect.

Being on the provider side, especially after once being vulnerable, helpless, and emotionally lost yourself, becomes something deeply meaningful. Sometimes, that positive and safe space is not found outside or within those who simply agree with us just to comfort us, but within ourselves. And that turns out to be one of the greatest moments filled with unknown positive possibilities which even we could not imagine at that time.

Amidst all those harsh experiences, we still choose hope, courage, and positivity while surpassing fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.

Peace and contentment are not found in perfect life situations; they are found in a calm mindset, thoughtful responses, and trust in ourselves to do better.

When our reactions slowly turn into understanding, we realize how far we have come - from needing someone to hear us, to becoming someone who can truly understand others in their difficult times.

Thanks for reading!

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices across poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing. This esteemed platform provides participants with the opportunity to showcase their literary talents, fostering a community that values creativity and expression. Each submission enriches the dialogue around contemporary issues through the power of words.

Thank you, Miss Surya Shekhawat, for your thoughtful contribution, "Becoming the Safe Space We Once Needed," to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your essay inspires readers to reflect on the importance of empathy and understanding in fostering meaningful connections. We appreciate your participation and look forward to your continued exploration of such profound themes.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.