A Plan From a Stress Coach: Small Glimmer; Huge Change

Have you ever noticed how your body can shift… just from something small?

• A warm cup of coffee in your hands.

• Sunlight coming through the window.

• A phone call with good news

• A genuine smile from someone you love.

As a life coach that specializes in stress and anxiety (and cares DEEPLY about this work, because I am always my very own client looking for more peace from a tumultuous life), I am always taking new courses in this field. I’ve been delighted to learn from clinical social worker and trauma expert Deb Dana, who teaches us to look for these moments that she calls “glimmers.” (These are the opposite of triggers.)

Glimmers are tiny moments that signal safety and well-being to your nervous system. Consider them micro-moments of ‘okayness’. We need to see that we are ok, because the nervous system is scanning for danger. It’s always asking: Am I safe or not?

Glimmers quietly answer:
Yes… you are.

When we begin to notice these moments, something shifts. Our shoulders soften. Our breath deepens. We feel a little more like ourselves again.

And over time… those small moments? They accumulate and add up to a more grounded, calmer, and more resilient and joyful life. They can help you feel uplifted and safe so you can handle the stress, the anxiety, the hard stuff when it shows up.

I love how this idea shows up outside of psychology, too.

Interior design writer Kate Watson-Smyth talks about glimmers in the home…

She suggests using doorways as picture frames.

Instead of rushing from room to room, pause.

Look through the doorway and notice:

• the light hitting a wall

• a cozy chair

• something beautiful or meaningful

That moment—right there—is a glimmer.

A transition point where you can feel something good.

That’s how your brain begins to remember safety, not just stress.

You don’t need to change your whole life to feel better. Sometimes, it starts with noticing what’s already here.

• The light.

• The warmth.

• The pretty view of your kitchen.

Look at that bag, those treats, the little plants, the warm light; it’s so inviting and cozy.

They’ve been there all along.

If this feels like something you want more of—more calm, more ease, more of those “I feel okay” moments—I’d love to help you build that into your everyday life. I’m here when you’re ready.

A Small Shift for This Week: Look for 3 glimmers a day.
Not big things… just small moments that feel:

• calming

• comforting

• connecting

• quietly joyful

And when you notice one…pause for a few seconds and let it land. Repeat!

Please forward this to someone who could use this! We all need more moments and glimpses of safety and joy!