Feel It, Face It, Free It

The Gift That Keeps Giving: Understanding Your Triggers

Have you ever had a bruise—one of those tender spots that hurts when someone leans on it or brushes against it? That sting is a gentle reminder that it’s still there, a signal that something is tender and healing.

Emotional triggers work the same way.

They’re those moments when a feeling surges up, bigger than the situation at hand. Someone cuts you off in traffic. A loved one doesn’t respond to a message. From the outside, the moment looks small. But inside? It can feel like a tidal wave.

Triggers, whether helpful or unhelpful, are messages from your nervous system. They tell you something inside has been touched. Maybe it’s raw. Maybe it’s unhealed. Maybe it’s connected to a deep, long-held belief or experience.

Here’s the key:

The trigger isn’t the problem.

The emotion is the messenger.

Your inner self is trying to speak through a tight chest, tense shoulders, a flipping tummy, the heat in your face, or tears that rise suddenly and flow freely.

When you slow down—when you create space to breathe—those reactions become teachers. They remind you: You’ve been hurt. And now, you’re ready to grow.

Your Triggers Shine a Light on What’s Tender Within You.

They reveal your patterns. Your stories. Your beliefs. They show you what’s still influencing how you move through life.

Maybe someone gives you feedback. You get defensive. You shrink. You fall silent. It’s not just the feedback—it’s what the feedback says about you. It might be poking at an old wound about not feeling enough, or not being worthy.

That’s when self-awareness becomes golden.

When you notice the emotion without being consumed by it, something shifts. You move from being in the trigger to witnessing it.

In that moment, however brief, you get to choose curiosity over reactivity.

Ask yourself:

• What’s really happening here?

• Is this actually true?

• When have I felt this before?

• How do I want this to be different?

This is how you build the bridge between reaction and healing.

From Reaction to Response

No, the emotion doesn’t disappear instantly. However, you are no longer reacting on autopilot. You’re not driving blindly.

Your triggers become invitations—to understand yourself more deeply.To see what’s been running the show behind the scenes.To respond, not just react.

It’s not easy work, however, it’s extremely worthwhile.

Our life journey is a never ending giving gift and these moments are a time to gain greater insight into ourselves, accept them with grace and gratitude and watch how your life will change.

If you resonate with this blog and you are committed to embracing more about yourself, however you do not want to go it alone, take comfort in knowing I can support you, inspire you, and celebrate with you as we take the journey together,

Visit my website to learn more.

Until next time, remember my favourite quote - "Your Smile 😎 Your Responsibility - Own it, Wear it, Share it