Joy, collected over time, fuels resilience—ensuring we’ll have reservoirs of emotional strength when hard things do happen.
– Brené Brown, researcher and storyteller

Contributed by Brittany Cernic, Marketing Manager of Exchange Press.

What if the key to feeling calm and grounded was as simple as noticing the sun’s warmth or hearing your favorite song? That’s the idea behind “glimmers,” a term popularized by psychologist Deb Dana and recently highlighted by therapist Dr. Justine on TikTok.

“Glimmers are anything that sparks a sense of joy, awe, or belongingness,” explains Dr. Justine in a video with over 78,000 views. “It can be noticing something beautiful around you, or seeing a kind face.” Essentially, glimmers are the opposite of triggers—they remind us we’re safe and help us feel connected.

Our bodies are wired for survival, often scanning for threats, but Dr. Justine explains that purposefully noticing glimmers can tap into our vagus nerve, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. “By holding onto these feelings for at least 30 seconds, we can teach our brains to consistently retain positive thoughts—or, as I like to say, turn that glimmer into a glow.”

Glimmers don’t have to be grand. They might be as simple as smelling lavender, hearing the crack of crème brûlée, or feeling the breeze on your face. One commenter summed it up perfectly: “This is scientifically supporting the old saying about stopping to smell the roses.”

In a world that often focuses on stress and triggers, glimmering offers a refreshing reminder that small, joyful moments matter. What are some of your everyday glimmers? Let us know!