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To have a “trigger” is a relatively new term defining that “thing” that instills a negative response in you, such as fear, anxiety, anger or a feeling of dread or sickness.

Here is a definition (according to some AI): A “glimmer” in response to a trigger is a small, positive moment or sensation that can counteract the negative effects of a trigger, essentially acting as a calming cue that helps to regulate your nervous system and bring you back to a sense of safety, as opposed to a trigger which would evoke a stressful response; they are considered the opposite of triggers, sparking feelings of peace and joy instead of anxiety or distress. 

We all have triggers, some of them very serious, some mild. For instance, I have mild triggers to certain words or phrases (such as people using grammar improperly), the sound of someone’s voice on the news, certain smells, certain sounds.

Some serious triggers might cause real fear and panic attacks, real sadness and depression, and might cause negative responses such as over-drinking and drugging and “taking it out on others.”

I’ve talked about it before, but some of my serious triggers (although only medium in seriousness, if you will), are people asking me about my experience being a teen mom, asking me to recount when my youngest daughter was seriously ill, or remembering something someone said to me. My children (2 daughters) most likely have triggers from being raised by a very young single mother, and the younger daughter having to move to a new area after my marriage. Lots of glimmers needed there on their part. I’m proud of both of them and how resilient and self-reliant they are.

I’m lucky in that I have a short little range of emotions. I’m like a Golden Retriever most of the time; lah-de-dah happy and easy to please. If I get depressed, it’s mild and I can easily work my way out of it.

My husband brought up the fact that he saw an article about “glimmers” and how they are the opposite of triggers. We can pull them up any time. Use them. For instance, if a word triggers you, or the news, or an angry driver trying to annoy you, bring into your mind something you love; you dog, your partner or spouse, your children, your health.

I think a glimmer might be akin to gratitude.

I also think binging series or movies might be “big glimmers.”

It’s no wonder that when you think of the word “glimmer,” you think of hope.

There’s a glimmer out there for all of us.