[Verse 1]
When trauma hits the helper's heart
The future starts to fall apart
No dreams of better days ahead
Just endless cycles filled with dread
The nervous system can't discern
Between what's safe and what will burn
[Chorus]
Future lost, hope can't grow
When your guard won't let it go
Supplementary lessons teach us why
Safety signals pass us by
Future lost, hope can't grow
Healing starts when we let go
[Verse 2]
Compassion fatigue takes its toll
On every helper's weary soul
The polyvagal pathway shows
How threat detection overflows
When neural circuits stay on high
The future's just a question why
[Chorus]
Future lost, hope can't grow
When your guard won't let it go
Supplementary lessons teach us why
Safety signals pass us by
Future lost, hope can't grow
Healing starts when we let go
[Bridge]
Figley's wisdom, Porges' science
Both reveal the same reliance
On a nervous system free
To see what good tomorrow brings
When we're stuck in fight or flight
Future fades from inner sight
[Verse 3]
But understanding is the key
To set our future selves free
When helpers learn these deeper ways
They can reclaim their hopeful days
The vagus nerve can find its peace
And let the future grief release
[Chorus]
Future found, hope can grow
When your guard learns to let go
Supplementary lessons show us how
Safety signals matter now
Future found, hope can grow
This is how we learn to know
[Outro]
Tomorrow calls, tomorrow waits
For healing hearts to open gates
The future's there for those who see
That safety sets the spirit free