Glimmers: The Little Things That Make Life Lekker



Let’s talk about a new buzzword making waves: glimmers. It’s the softer, more optimistic cousin of triggers. You know, those things that set you off and send you straight to fight-or-flight mode? Glimmers, on the other hand, are all about the good vibes – those small, everyday moments that make you feel calm, safe, or just plain chuffed.


What Are Glimmers, Exactly?

The term was coined by Deb Dana, a clever clinician specialising in polyvagal theory (fancy science stuff about your nervous system). Glimmers are those fleeting moments of joy or connection – like the smell of a braai wafting through the air, the warmth of the sun on your skin, or even hearing your favourite song on the radio. They’re like mini pick-me-ups for your soul.


The Science-y Bit

While triggers send your nervous system into overdrive (hello, cortisol!), glimmers work the opposite way. They tap into your parasympathetic nervous system – the one that helps you chill out and feel lekker. When you notice glimmers, you’re essentially rewiring your brain to focus on the good stuff instead of all the doom and gloom. It’s like upgrading your mental playlist to play more hits and fewer sad ballads.


How to Spot Glimmers in the Wild


Noticing glimmers isn’t rocket science, but it does take a bit of practice. Here’s how to start:


1. Slow Your Roll: Stop rushing around like you’re late for a meeting. Take a moment to notice the world around you.


2. Use Your Senses: What can you see, smell, hear, or feel right now? Maybe it’s the sound of rain on the roof, the smell of boerewors sizzling, or the soft hug of your favourite hoodie.


3. Be Grateful, Sort Of: You don’t need a full-blown gratitude journal (unless that’s your vibe), but take a second to acknowledge the good moments.


4. Stay Open: Sometimes, glimmers sneak up on you – like finding a R10 note in your jeans pocket or seeing a dog stick its head out of a car window.


Why Glimmers Are a Big Deal

Life can be, let’s face it, a bit much. But glimmers remind us there’s always something small and beautiful to notice, even on the kak days. By focusing on these moments, you’re not just improving your mood – you’re building resilience, optimism, and a better outlook overall.


How to Make More Glimmers Happen

You can’t always control when glimmers appear, but you can set the scene:

Spend time outside – South Africa’s sunsets are proper therapy.

Hang out with your favourite people (or pets).

Do things that make you feel lekker – whether it’s dancing in your kitchen or bingeing your go-to series.

Practise kindness – even smiling at someone can spark a glimmer for both of you.


Final Thoughts

Glimmers are proof that even in the chaos of life, there’s still a lot to smile about. They’re like little sprinkles of magic reminding us to pause, breathe, and appreciate what’s around us.

So, next time you’re feeling frazzled, slow down and look for your glimmers. Whether it’s your first sip of tea, the chirp of a hadeda (love them or hate them), or a perfect parking spot at the mall, those moments are there – you just have to notice them.

Now, over to you: What’s your glimmer today?


Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

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