Triggers and Glimmers: The Hidden Signals That Shape How We Feel, Act, and Lead
What Are Triggers and Glimmers? (+ Simple Definitions)
Tiny moments that shape your emotions without you even noticing.
You open your inbox.
One blunt message — and your mood crashes.
Later, a warm “thank you” from a teammate lifts your energy.
These shifts aren’t random.
They’re signals — subtle, powerful, and fast.
- A trigger sparks a negative emotional reaction.
- A glimmer evokes a positive emotional shift.
They shape how you feel, act, and lead — often before you even realize it.
Why Triggers and Glimmers Matter in Daily Life
They quietly control your energy, mood, and choices.
Triggers and glimmers influence:
- Your reactions (snapping, shutting down, avoiding)
- Your decisions (impulsive vs. intentional)
- Your energy (drained vs. uplifted)
- Your relationships (tense vs. open)
Understanding your triggers helps you respond, not react — a vital skill when your team looks to you for emotional cues.
Once you notice them, you can shift from reactive to responsive.
This is how emotional mastery begins.
The Science Behind Triggers and Glimmers
Your body has an emotional radar — and it’s always on.
Your nervous system constantly asks:
“Am I safe or under threat?”
- If it senses threat, your stress system activates.
→ That’s a trigger. - If it senses safety, it calms your body.
→ That’s a glimmer.
This insight comes from Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges.
It explains how your nervous system shifts between stress and safety, based on micro-signals around you.
Think of it as your body’s 24/7 security system — always scanning the world before your conscious mind catches up.
Real-Life Examples: What Triggers and Glimmers Look Like
Trigger Example – Work
You get cut off in a meeting.
Your chest tightens. You feel invisible.
→ Trigger: Feeling dismissed.
Trigger Example – Relationships
Your partner doesn’t reply to your message.
You spiral with worry or anger.
→ Trigger: Fear of rejection.
Glimmer Example – Morning Routine
You hear birds outside your window.
You instantly feel calm.
→ Glimmer: Nature = safety cue.
Glimmer Example – Workplace Feedback
A teammate says, “I really value your input.”
You feel seen and energized.
→ Glimmer: Recognition = emotional safety.
How to Spot Your Own Triggers and Glimmers
Awareness is your first superpower.
Ask Yourself:
- What moments make me tense, angry, anxious, or shut down? → Triggers
- What small things make me feel calm, safe, open, or joyful? → Glimmers
Track This Daily:
- List 3 triggers and 3 glimmers each day.
- Include what your body felt: jaw clench? fast breath? lightness?
Pro Tip: The body keeps score. Tune into it.
When Do They Show Up?
Anywhere. Anytime. In moments you usually ignore.
Triggers: criticism, conflict, pressure, unpredictability
Glimmers: beauty, kindness, nature, connection
You’ll notice them:
- At work: in meetings, feedback, emails
- At home: during conversations or quiet moments
- In yourself: via self-talk, confidence dips, or motivation spikes
Most of the time, we miss them.
Once you spot them, you gain emotional stability and personal power.
Where This Matters Most
Every life domain — not just your mood.
- At work: Performance reviews, tight deadlines, collaboration
- At home: Family dynamics, parenting stress, personal time
- With yourself: Negative self-talk vs. self-compassion
- In leadership: Staying calm under pressure, inspiring safety in others
This Week’s Emotional Audit: Your Action Step
Write down 3 triggers and 3 glimmers you notice this week.
Pay attention to your body’s responses.
Look for patterns. You’ll be surprised by how often the same ones repeat.
This is your first real step into emotional mastery.
Awareness = Power
Your emotions aren’t random.
They’re shaped by micro-signals your nervous system picks up — triggers and glimmers.
The more you notice them, the more grounded, calm, and clear you become.
That’s when real transformation begins.
Next Post: Triggered? Here’s How to Reset Fast & Stay in Control.
Learn how emotional triggers impact you and how to reset using simple, science-backed techniques to stay calm, grounded, and in control.
