14/01/2026
You exploded over something small. And immediately felt embarrassed because it wasn't a "big deal."
But here's what was actually happening:
Your window of tolerance had already shrunk. Maybe from the night before. Maybe from the week. Maybe from carrying everyone's emotions.
By the time the small thing happened, your window was TINY.
That small thing was the drop that filled the cup.
Your nervous system didn't overreact. Your window was already at capacity.
Here's what that means:
Your window of tolerance is the zone where you can think clearly, respond intentionally, and feel regulated.
Inside your window? You can handle things.
Outside your window? Everything feels like a threat.
Most people with a history of dysregulation have SMALLER windows. Not because they're weak. Because they learned to be hypervigilant.
But here's the good news: Your window is expandable.
With the right work, the right support, the right nervous system training, your window grows.
And when your window grows, you can handle more. You can stay regulated longer. You can respond instead of react.
You're not overreacting. Your system is just running on a smaller capacity right now.
Understanding this changes everything.
Does this explain something that's been happening?
Comment: When does your window feel most narrow? 💙
Save this. Come back to it when you "overreact" to something small.
