Triggers vs Glimmers: Navigating Your Internal World
What is a Trigger?
A trigger is an internal or external stimulus that creates a physiological response—often a desire to return to a specific behavior or a memory. Imagine walking into your kitchen to find eggs, oil, and a box of cake mix on the counter. You weren't thinking about chocolate cake a moment ago, but the second you see those ingredients, your reward system initiates a craving. That is a trigger.
The Half-Second Science
Triggers can be people, places, things, or even specific emotions. According to National Geographic, it takes the human mind only half a second to be triggered and for the reward system to be initiated.
This means a simple glance at a billboard while driving is enough time for the "phenomenon of craving" to spark for an addict. For those with PTSD, a certain smell or sound can instantly trigger the fight-flight-freeze system, transporting them back to the moment of trauma. As humans, we are naturally pleasure-seeking and pain-avoiding creatures; our brains are simply trying to navigate those instincts.
Neutralizing the Effect
The world doesn't stop turning because we have triggers. The work is to identify them, reflect on recent events to see what sparked the reaction, and then use coping skills to "equalize" our response. By becoming aware, we begin to lessen the trigger’s power over time.
Enter the "Glimmer"
If triggers are the sparks that cause distress, glimmers are their opposite. Glimmers are small, micro-moments of pleasure, safety, or peace that arise during our daily experiences.
Think of a glimmer as:
A rainbow appearing after a heavy storm.
The sight of a butterfly that sparks a happy memory.
Hearing your favorite song unexpectedly on the radio.
The Glimmer Challenge
Glimmers provide us with a sense of hope and happiness. It is vital to not only notice them but to lean into the feeling they provide. I challenge you to see how many glimmers you can notice today. I bet once you start looking for them, you will see them everywhere.
About the Author
Sarah Lacy, LPCC is an EMDR Specialist and Life Coach based in Rocky River, Ohio. She provides in-person support to the Lakewood, Westlake, and Bay Village communities, as well as Telehealth sessions throughout the state.
If these words resonate with you, reach out to take the next step in your healing journey.
