Let’s be real: motherhood isn’t exactly designed to give you a lot of breaks. Between the endless laundry, making sure everyone has their shoes (the correct shoes, no less), and finding time to actually sit down for five seconds, it can feel like you’re in a constant state of go, go, go. And when life is that full, we’re usually pretty familiar with triggers—those little moments that spark stress, frustration, or just plain exhaustion.
But there’s another side to this: glimmers. Think of glimmers as the tiny little moments that can bring you back down to earth. They’re quick sparks of joy, calm, or just a little peace that remind you there’s goodness around you—even in the middle of the chaos. They might be small, but when you start noticing them, glimmers can make a big difference in how you feel every day.
Today, we’re diving into what glimmers are, why they matter, and some simple ways to find these small joys in your everyday life. Spoiler alert: they’re already there—you just have to notice them.
What Are Glimmers?
So, what exactly is a “glimmer”? Glimmers are those small, often blink-and-you-miss-them moments that bring a little spark of joy or calm. Think of glimmers as the opposite of triggers; instead of setting you off, they help bring you back down. They’re those simple, happy moments that remind you to breathe, pause, and just be.
For example, maybe you catch a quick moment of quiet while you’re sipping your morning coffee. Or your kid says something totally hilarious (and unfiltered). Or you step outside and realize how nice the breeze feels. These little moments might seem ordinary, but they’re powerful if you pay attention to them.
Why Glimmers Matter for Moms
Alright, so why should you care about glimmers? Here’s the deal: when you’re juggling a thousand things, it’s easy to get bogged down in the stressful stuff. Glimmers are like little lifebuoys—they keep you afloat by giving you moments of peace and happiness, even if just for a second.
Noticing glimmers can actually shift how you experience your day. The more you spot these moments, the more balanced you’ll feel. And let’s be real, it’s a relief to focus on something uplifting instead of the mountain of stuff on your plate. Glimmers aren’t about adding more “tasks” to your day—they’re about seeing what’s already good, even when things feel overwhelming.
How to Start Noticing Glimmers
Alright, now let’s talk about actually spotting glimmers in the middle of your busy day. I know what you’re thinking: Sounds great, but when am I supposed to do this? The truth is, you don’t need tons of time; even a few seconds can make a difference.
Slow Down (Even for a Few Seconds):
Just try to catch a few small pauses here and there. You don’t have to stop everything; just take a quick moment to look around and breathe. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to notice a glimmer.
Tune Into Your Senses:
Glimmers are usually tied to our senses. Think of the smell of coffee, the feel of a cozy blanket, or the sound of laughter. It’s these little sensory moments that often become glimmers if we’re paying attention.
Focus on Gratitude:
Glimmers and gratitude go hand-in-hand. Try noticing one small thing that makes you feel good, even if it’s something super simple. Gratitude turns regular moments into glimmers, so the more you practice it, the more glimmers you’ll see.
Everyday Glimmers for Moms
If you’re wondering where to even begin finding glimmers in your day, don’t worry—I’ve got you. Glimmers don’t have to be grand moments; they’re actually the opposite. Here are some small examples of glimmers you might find in your everyday life.
A Moment of Quiet:
Maybe it’s that blissful five minutes before the kids wake up, or maybe it’s when they’re actually all playing together peacefully (miracles happen, right?). Sometimes, a few quiet moments are all you need to recharge a little.
A Burst of Laughter:
Whether it’s something your kid says out of the blue, a silly face they make, or a shared joke that only you and your partner understand, laughter is a glimmer that reminds you that life doesn’t always have to be so serious.
Feeling the Sun:
Stepping outside and feeling the warmth of the sun (or even just the fresh air) can be a mini reset. It’s a quick reminder that there’s a whole world beyond whatever chaos might be happening inside.
A “Mom Win” Moment:
We all know those wins don’t come around every day, but when they do, they’re worth celebrating! Maybe you get dinner on the table without anyone complaining (score!) or you finally get through the laundry pile. These small victories are glimmers that deserve a little “Go, me!” moment.
An Unexpected Hug:
There’s nothing quite like a surprise hug from your little one, a quick cuddle, or even just a quiet moment snuggling on the couch. These are the glimmers that remind you of the deep connection you have with your kids.
Making Glimmers Part of Your Day
Now that you know what glimmers look like, let’s talk about how to make them part of your day. And no, this isn’t about adding a new “task” to your to-do list; it’s about taking what’s already there and seeing it in a new way.
Here are a few quick ideas to help you spot more glimmers:
Set a Daily Reminder:
Consider setting a reminder on your phone to pause and look for a glimmer. It could be a simple “What’s one good thing I noticed today?” question. You might be surprised by what you notice!
Jot Them Down or Take a Picture on Your Phone:
You don’t have to write a novel; even a single sentence will do. Keep a little note on your phone or a sticky note on the fridge. Just jot down one glimmer you noticed, so you start training yourself to see them more.
Celebrate Them with Your Family:
If you spot a glimmer, share it with your partner or your kids. Kids especially love to celebrate the “little things,” and they’ll love learning how to spot their own glimmers, too.
Make It a Mini Ritual:
Sometimes, glimmers come from slowing down and savoring little rituals. Maybe it’s a few deep breaths before getting out of bed, savoring that first sip of coffee, or spending an extra few minutes reading with your kids at night.
Finding Glimmers to Lighten Your Day
Here’s the thing: glimmers are there whether we notice them or not. But by making a small effort to look for them, you’re giving yourself permission to pause, enjoy, and find a little peace in the middle of everything else. You might be surprised how these tiny moments can bring a little extra lightness to your day—and maybe even help you feel more grounded in the crazy, beautiful world of motherhood.
If you’re feeling like you could use more support finding balance, joy, and a bit of breathing room in your life, I’d love to help.
Through my coaching services, we’ll work together to create space for these moments, making sure you’re taking care of yourself while you’re taking care of everyone else.
Ready to start noticing the glimmers? Let’s chat—I’d be thrilled to join you on the journey.
With Love and Real-Life Imperfection,
