Happy New Year! So many of us head into the new year with resolutions, or maybe themes, that you hope will improve your mood. Eating right, getting more sleep, practicing yoga, exercising more. And those are all good, but have you heard about GLIMMERS?
Glimmers are tiny micro moments of joy—fleeting, everyday moments that elicit a rush of happiness, gratitude, calm, peace, safety, or goodwill. One of my ‘glimmers’ is seeing photos of my family and friends’ new babies. I always find myself smiling and feeling happy and grateful that they’re healthy.
Glimmers are all around us, waiting to be noticed, yet we often overlook them in the busyness of daily life.
Whether they come from nature, connection, or something uniquely yours, glimmers have the ability to uplift your spirit and enrich your days.
This month’s issue of The Flame is dedicated to helping you discover and embrace these small, powerful moments.
— Betty Long, RN, MHA, President/CEO, Guardian Nurses Health Advocates
Embrace the Small Joys That Brighten Your Day
Have you heard of “the glimmers”? While many of us are familiar with “triggers”—things that cause stress or negative emotions—glimmers are their positive counterpart. Coined by Deb Dana, a clinical social worker specializing in polyvagal theory, glimmers are those fleeting moments of safety, joy, or connection that uplift your mood and anchor you in the present.
A glimmer can be as simple as the warmth of sunlight on your skin, the sound of a loved one’s laughter, or the aroma of your favorite coffee brewing. These moments, though small, can have a profound impact on your well-being by engaging your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which plays a crucial role in calming the body and restoring balance. helps calm and restore the body. The PNS is part of your autonomic nervous system, often called the “rest and digest” system, because it counteracts the “fight or flight” response triggered by stress.
Why Glimmers Matter
In a world where stress and negativity can feel overwhelming, especially these days, focusing on glimmers shifts your mindset toward positivity. By paying attention to these small, heartwarming moments, you can:
- Boost resilience: Building a habit of noticing glimmers strengthens your ability to bounce back from challenges.
- Deepen mindfulness: Glimmers ground you in the present, reminding you to savor life’s simple pleasures.
- Promote emotional regulation: Seeking joy equips you with tools to navigate difficult emotions.
The more you tune into glimmers, the more you “train” your nervous system to recognize and respond to positive stimuli. This creates a feedback loop of calmness, resilience, and joy. Over time, regularly engaging your PNS through glimmers can improve your overall emotional and physical health, leaving you better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
How to Find Glimmers in Everyday Life
- Start small: Pause during your day to notice little things that bring you peace or joy, like the crisp air during a morning walk, the sound of birdsong, or the first sip of your favorite drink.
- Reflect on gratitude: Keep a glimmer journal to record moments that made you smile. Over time, reflecting on them can help you notice even more.
- Share the joy: Talk about your glimmers with friends or loved ones. Sharing these moments can inspire connection and spread positivity to others.
- Slow down: Pause and truly take in your surroundings. Put your phone down. Breathe deeply, look around, and savor the details—glimmers often appear when you take the time to notice.
The Glimmer Challenge
This week, challenge yourself to notice three glimmers each day. Whether it’s a beautiful sunset, the wag of a dog’s tail, the smell of a fresh cup of coffee (if you like coffee), or a kind word from a stranger, these moments can shift your perspective and infuse your life with a sense of wonder. You’re on your way! Have fun!
Here’s to a new year filled with more glimmers!