Triggers & Glimmers: A Path to Living Life on Purpose
The use of the word “trigger” has been on a steady climb and understandably so. We all encounter moments in our lives that jolt us into discomfort. Having a label to assign to the catalyst of these moments is the start of a framework that can help us process and respond. However, it wasn’t until recently that I discovered the term used to describe the opposite of a trigger. A glimmer! A wonderful moment that draws us toward growth and possibility. Triggers and glimmers hold profound insights into our inner landscape and offer invaluable opportunities for living an intentional life. Let's explore the difference between triggers and glimmers, and how harnessing their power can help us live life on purpose.
Understanding Triggers and Glimmers
Triggers are those moments that catch us off guard, stirring up intense emotions and surfacing unresolved issues from our past. They can manifest in various forms – a comment, a memory, or a situation – triggering a cascade of thoughts and feelings that leave us feeling unsettled and vulnerable. Triggers often serve as signposts, pointing toward areas of our lives that are in need of attention and healing.
On the other hand, glimmers are those fleeting moments of clarity and insight – sparks of inspiration that illuminate our path and affirm our sense of purpose. They can emerge unexpectedly, in the midst of everyday experiences, offering glimpses of our true potential and guiding us toward alignment with our deepest desires and aspirations. Glimmers infuse our lives with hope, motivation, and a sense of direction, urging us to pursue what truly matters to us.
Using Triggers and Glimmers to Live Life on Purpose
The key to living life on purpose lies in our ability to harness the wisdom of both triggers and glimmers, transforming moments of challenge into opportunities for growth and moments of inspiration into catalysts for action.
When faced with a trigger, it's important to approach it with curiosity and compassion. Rather than reacting impulsively or avoiding discomfort, take a moment to pause and explore the underlying emotions and beliefs that the trigger has brought to the surface. What is it trying to teach you? What patterns or wounds from your past might be contributing to your reaction? By shining a light on the shadowy corners of our psyche, triggers offer us an opportunity for healing and self-discovery, empowering us to break free from limiting beliefs and unhealthy patterns.
Similarly, when we encounter a glimmer, it's essential to embrace it wholeheartedly and allow it to guide our actions. Pay attention to the moments when you feel most alive, most inspired, most connected to your authentic self. What activities or experiences evoke this sense of joy and purpose? How can you incorporate more of these moments into your daily life? By honoring our glimmers and following where they lead, we can cultivate a life that is aligned with our values, passions, and aspirations, infusing each day with meaning and fulfillment.
Embracing the Dance of Triggers and Glimmers
In the big picture of life, triggers and glimmers are the pixels that weave together our experiences, shaping our journey and guiding us toward our truest selves. By embracing the lessons of our triggers and following the guidance of our glimmers, we can navigate life's twists and turns with grace and intention, living each moment with purpose and presence. So, let us embrace the dance of triggers and glimmers, knowing that within their ebb and flow lies the path to a life lived with authenticity, meaning, and joy.