Love shouldn’t hurt

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Wednesday, 02 April 2025 08:43

What Are Glimmers?
by Teresia Smith

We often hear about “triggers”, which are things that evoke the memory of a traumatic experience, that set off an intense usually negative, emotional, or psychological response in people who have a history of trauma. Triggers can be people, sounds, smells, locations … pretty much anything that would bring back negative memories. Today, I want to introduce you to “glimmers”. Identifying glimmers can be super helpful in healing after a traumatic experience.
“Glimmers” refer to small, positive moments or experiences that promote feelings of well-being and regulation, helping to calm the nervous system and foster a sense of safety. We are usually pretty quick to pick up on triggers but tend to overlook glimmers. What are some examples of glimmers? Here are a few: a glimmer can be a friendly face, a soothing sound such as ocean waves, the beauty of a sunset/sunrise, or even the sweet smell of blooming flowers. It can be as simple as feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, the smell of fresh-cut grass, or seeing a beautiful rainbow after a storm. Many people find a glimmer in the first cup of coffee in the morning, petting a dog or cat, watching a child running to get a hug, hearing familiar music, or even enjoying a favorite food. Dancing, companionship with friends, and being creative with a hobby can also be glimmers.

The beauty of a glimmer is in how it makes you feel. While glimmers are brief, they are powerful experiences of deep mental and emotional awareness that leave a lasting impact on us. Somebody experiencing glimmers may report feeling a sudden burst of inspiration, clarity, and motivation that can often create a shift in their perspective. These experiences can profoundly affect their lives, inspiring creativity, increased productivity, meaningful relationships, and greater self-awareness.

So how can we become more aware of glimmers and use them to our advantage? First, be intentional. Seek out glimmers throughout the day. It is important to identify what inspires glimmers for you. Is there a particular person that motivates you? A favorite book or movie that encourages you to think differently? What activities make you feel happy and safe? A location that brings you joy? Think about what motivates you and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Become aware of what excites you and be open to trying new things. Look for patterns of activities that make you feel engaged and alive. It may take time and effort to determine the glimmers in your life, but this can be a step in your healing. Find the joy in the most ordinary parts of everyday life. Practice gratitude by reflecting on all the blessings you enjoy. Surround yourself with supportive people and celebrate your progress.

It is not uncommon for traumatized people to experience triggers that can cause emotional distress, anxiety, or depression which make it difficult to find any glimmer of hope. If you are struggling, therapy may be a great first step to healing. It’s important to look for these “glimmers” and make the effort to acknowledge and appreciate them more often, cherishing small, yet valuable sparks of happiness.

If you or a loved one has experienced the trauma of sexual assault or intimate partner violence, Crisis Services of North Alabama offers free and confidential services. You can reach our Jackson County office at 256.574.5826 for an appointment with a trained advocate. We also provide a 24/7 HELPline staffed with trained crisis counselors at 256.716.1000. Please reach out. You are not alone.