What to Do When Your Throat Closes

When the lump shows up,

do not panic.

It feels like a door closing,

But it is only a hand on a handle.

Your throat tightens because your body

is trying to hold something in.

Words. Tears. A truth.

It thinks it is protecting you.

First rule: do not swallow it down hard.

That makes it louder.

That makes it hurt more.

Instead, stop talking.

Let silence do the work.

Put one hand on your chest.

Put the other on your neck.

Breathe in through your nose.

Slow.

Like your counting to four.

Breathe out through your mouth.

Like your letting out a secret.

If tears come, let them.

Tears are not the enemy.

They are the release valve.

They soften the knot.

If you cannot cry, that is okay too.

The lump does not mean failure.

It means something real is inside you.

Tilt your head slightly down.

Relax your jaw.

Unclench your tongue.

Your body listens when you are kind to it.

Tell yourself quietly:

"I am safe to feel this."

Even if you do not believe it yet.

The lump will pulse.

Then loosen.

Then fase like a wave pulling back.

After, drink water.

Clear your throat gently.

Rest.

Remember this:

The lump is not there to hurt you.

It is there because you care.