Discovering Glimmers: Finding Joy in Life’s Small Moments!

Discovering Glimmers: Finding Joy in Life’s Small Moments

When we talk about mental health, we often hear about triggers - those moments, experiences, or thoughts that spark feelings of anxiety, fear, or distress. While it’s important to recognise and manage our triggers, there’s another side to the story that deserves more attention: glimmers.

A glimmer is the exact opposite of a trigger. It’s a small cue, internal or external, that brings you back to a sense of safety, joy, or peace. These little moments remind us that the world can be good, that we are okay, and that life is worth savoring.

The best part? Glimmers don’t have to be big, dramatic events. In fact, they’re usually found in life’s simplest, most ordinary moments if we pay attention.

Examples of Everyday Glimmers

Here are a few examples of glimmers that you might recognize in your own life:

• A Warm Cup of Coffee or Tea

  
  

  The smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning can feel like a warm hug for the soul. It signals comfort, routine, and a moment to slow down before the day begins.

  
  

• Sunlight Streaming Through a Window

  
  

  There’s something magical about how morning light paints the walls in soft gold. That quiet beauty can ground you and remind you that a new day has endless possibilities.

• Laughter with a Friend

  
  

  A shared inside joke, a text that makes you giggle, or a full-on laugh until your stomach hurts moment can instantly shift your energy.

• A Favorite Song on the Radio

  
  

  When that perfect song comes on at just the right time, it can make even a stressful commute feel like a personal concert.

  
  

• Nature Moments

  
  

  Watching a bird land nearby, feeling the breeze on your skin, or noticing a blooming flower can reconnect you with a sense of wonder and calm.

  
  

• Acts of Kindness

  
  

  Someone holding the door open for you, a stranger offering a smile, or even a heartfelt “thank you” can be a powerful glimmer that restores faith in humanity.

  
  

Why Glimmers Matter

Noticing glimmers trains your brain to look for safety and joy instead of only scanning for danger or stress. Over time, this can shift your nervous system toward a calmer, more regulated state. You begin to feel more grounded and resilient, even when life gets hard.

How to Spot More Glimmers

The good news is, glimmers are everywhere - you just have to slow down enough to notice them. Here are a few tips:

• Pause for 10 Seconds – When something makes you smile, take a breath and really let yourself feel it.

• Practice Gratitude – Write down one glimmer you noticed each day.

• Use Your Senses – Notice what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel that brings comfort or joy.

• Share Your Glimmers – Telling a friend or family member about them can strengthen the positive feeling.

Life will always have its share of triggers, but glimmers remind us that there is beauty and goodness too. When we collect enough glimmers, they can outweigh the heaviness and bring us back to ourselves.

So next time you feel the warmth of sunlight on your face, hear your favourite song, or sip that first perfect cup of coffee pause and take it in. That’s a glimmer. And it just might be the thing that carries you through the day.

Tonight’s GLIMMER and the inspiration for this blog!