Self-care is a journey. Each day offers challenges and opportunities to learn and grow. Sometimes self-care can feel as if you are taking two steps forward and one step back. My therapist encouraged me to focus on progress, not perfection.
Reading about how others practice self-care is encouraging and helpful.
Recently, I learned the term ‘glimmers.’ I found an article written by verywellmind that explained the term’s origins and its concept:
“Triggers activate feelings of stress and danger, causing your body’s fight or flight mode to kick in to ready you to deal with the threat. Glimmers, on the other hand, signal safety and connection and help you feel more at ease in the world.”
Catching a glimmer means shifting our focus from the negative influences around us to watching for the positive goodness that is just waiting to be noticed.
Glimmers are different for everyone, and can sparkle through any of our senses:
- Seeing beauty in nature.
- Watching or interacting with animals.
- A smell that evokes a memory.
- The smell, taste, and warmth of sipping tea or a perfect cup of coffee.
- A tickle from sparkling wine.
- Enjoying the flavor and texture of a comfort food.
- Being wrapped in the cozy feeling of a soft blanket or sweater.
- Listening to music that takes you back in time or simply calms you.
- A smile or friendly interaction with a stranger.
- Reaching out to help someone.
During the day, be mindful of noticing glimmers. When sensing one, pause and collect it, embrace the pleasure of it.
In the evening, sit down with a journal, and like a jar filled with fireflies, bask in the glow of recording all your glimmers from the day.
Or perhaps you can think of collecting glimmers like a bottle of glitter; once you use it, it gets everywhere!
Thank you to Linda, who writes The Mindful Migraine, for introducing me to glimmers!
“When my anxious thoughts multiplied, your comfort filled my soul with joy.” Psalm 94:19
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:5
“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” Psalm 65:8
“Satisfy us in the morning with Your love, so we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14
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