Watching for Glimmers
The days are getting shorter and darker where I live, and I'll be honest with you, I don't love the winter. I much prefer sunshine and heat to dark and cold. I love light in all its forms, but I've found a way to get through the winter.
GLIMMERS
Glimmers are the opposite of triggers (something that causes a negative emotional reaction). Whereas triggers put us into a state of survival or panic, glimmers anchor us and make us feel safe and peaceful.
In essence, glimmers create a feeling of joy and connection.
When you encounter a glimmer, you'll notice yourself wanting to freeze time, take a picture, and soak in the moment.
Glimmers are unique for each person.
Personally, I love noticing the majestic mountain silhouette 30 minutes before sunrise. I love driving or walking through a canopy of trees. I love refreshing ice cold water after a long workout.
But my favorite source of glimmers are moments when my family connects with each other....
When I catch my husband reading to my little girls.
When I spot my 17-year-old son giving my youngest daughter a shoulder ride on their walk home from church.
When my kids rush into the house to tell me all about their day.
When I'm snuggled up on the porch swing watching the sunset with my little girls.
When my older girls put on a spa day for their younger sisters.
When I catch my 11-year old holding hands with my 8-year old, teaching her to rollerblade.
When we play a family game of "add-on" on the trampoline.
Last night, I got a call from my son's friend. My heart dropped when he said, "Preston is okay, but we need to get him to the emergency room."
My mind went crazy. I had no idea where he was. Was he in critical condition? Had he totaled his car? (Because of my son's reckless nature, I live in constant fear of his mortal peril.)
Turns out he'd just been goofing around at his friend’s house and slammed his head on a marble table--HARD.
After a few hours of uncertainty at the ER, we found out he had no skull fracture, no brain bleed, and no permanent damage. He did, however, have a concussion and a deep 2-inch vertical gash on his forehead requiring many stitches.
Watching him and his friends joke around and make my son laugh while we waited in the ER was a huge glimmer for me. I felt so peaceful and grateful, both that he was okay and that he had awesome friends who lovingly supported him.
That stressful situation will forever be implanted in my mind as a fond memory.
Our brains are fascinating. What we look for, we find. When we're looking for the good, good will be everywhere. Because glimmers are just micro-moments in time, if we aren't consciously watching we will miss them.
Especially on the most stressful days, it's crucial that we slow down and look around; then take a few moments to breathe in the calm, the peace, and the feelings of safety.
What glimmers have you noticed this week? I'd love to hear all about them!
