Flashback about three years ago…
While procrastinating, I saw a youtube short by Dr. Sage Kim who is a licensed psychologist and has a social media presence. The video was particularly life changing as I was in a vulnerable space in life. I had recently moved across the world to start my sophomore year of college. I had no family or friends and it was a completely new environment. Dr. Kim’s youtube short spoke about creating and finding “glimmers” in our lives. This prompted me to learn more about glimmers and applying them to my life.
What are glimmers?
In the video, Dr. Kim explains that “Glimmers” are micro moments of the ventral vagal experience. According to Newport Institute (2023), “Glimmers are those tiny, seemingly insignificant moments when you feel a sense of joy, pleasure, peace, and gratitude”. These are words I aspire to experience everyday in my life. The term glimmer was coined by Deb Dana who is a clinical social worker. Examples of glimmers include petting an animal, seeing the sunrise, feeling the warmth of the sun or the cold of the first snowfall, stopping to smell flowers.
How are glimmers helpful?
Focusing on glimmers which can be the expected or unexpected good things in our lives can shift our perspectives. We notice the good things more and more which have a positive effect on our mental health. Additionally, the effects of stress may be reduced, our mood can improve and we can feel less anxious. This is particularly helpful for me as I have lived with anxiety for the majority of my life.
Why use the word gems?
I personalized the word glimmers to gems. I have always loved jewels, gems, the concept of a birthstone, and jewellery. There is a more personal background story but I just love them. I naturally started calling my glimmers my gems that I find in life. It felt fitting and it inspired the title of the blog.
Flash forward to the present day…
I would strongly encourage everyone to research glimmers and find their own personal glimmers in life. If you are feeling inspired by my jewelled sojourn, feel free to call them gems too or find your own personalized word that works for you.
