Where Does ‘Glimmer’ Come From?
The word ‘glimmer’ has been around since the middle ages likely coming from a Scandinavian origin- the Danish word ‘Glimre’ and the Swedish word ‘Glimra’ meaning to shine brightly which translated to ‘Glimmer’ in Middle English. It’s often used as a verb, ‘The light glimmered in the dark’, descriptively in phrases such as, ‘There was a glimmer of hope’ or ‘You could see glimmers of the person they used to be.’
The Opposite of ‘Triggers’?
In 2023, a ‘Glimmer’ is being used as a noun to describe something tangible that gives us a feeling of joy or calm or hope for a tiny moment. It is the opposite of a ‘trigger’ which in psychological terms is something such as a memory, object or person that causes an intense negative emotion in someone. When triggered we become emotionally dysregulated as our brain perceives it as a threat, triggering ‘fight or flight’ and causing reactions such as panic, anxiety or fear. Glimmers do the opposite in that they provide our biology with a feeling of safety. Glimmers help us to emotionally regulate as our overwhelmed brains and nervous systems begin to feel safe, and calmer, reducing cortisol levels and allowing the feel-good chemicals to circulate.
Psychobabble, Left Wing Clap Trap for Losers?
The word ‘Glimmers’ in this psychological context is a ‘buzzword’ that is in the very early stages of popular familiarity but it is an important one. Glimmers are for everyone, they are free and readily available if you look around- they transcend race, religion, wealth, class, sexuality, and everything else that divides people. We live in a world where our brains and bodies are constantly overwhelmed with information and we are under stress from all sorts of emotional, environmental, financial, social, physical and mental health strains. It doesn’t matter who you are, or how busy and important you are, how strong you think you are, your body and brain need glimmers. It requires time out from the constant stress, where it does feel calm and relaxed and where the endorphins and serotonin can flow. You don’t have to do expensive, scary as fuck yoga retreats, trek to Borneo to find yourself or even attempt to listen to your mindfulness app you downloaded 5 years ago but keep getting distracted.
So Where Can You Find These So-Called ‘Glimmers’?
Look around. They are there in your everyday life, you just need to notice them and take a moment to recognise the good feelings. They are any little micro-moments that bring you joy or calm- stroking your pet, that first sip of caffeine in the morning, an ‘I Love You’ from someone special, finishing a craft project, beating a PB in the gym, watching a beautiful sunset. Glimmers can be found anywhere- in nature, hobbies, people, places, things. They are whatever gives your biology that feeling of safety and joy. At the start, we have to purposely look for the glimmers but eventually, it becomes second nature, we start to notice the little things, the details, the important things.
Not A Quick Fix
It is not toxic positivity. If your life feels shit, just looking for your glimmers every day won’t fix your problems but it will slowly help to improve your mental health, that shit will have little glimmers shining through. No matter what you are going through, your body physically needs the glimmers to counteract the stress, and your brain needs them to encourage you to keep going. And remember, on the tough days look for your glimmers and on the good days, be the glimmer.