What to Do When You Get Triggered: A Guide to Reclaiming Your Peace
Join me at the New Life Expo in NYC March 29 where I will be channeling live and sharing a talk on the power of higher consciousness to change the world.
Last week, I got big-time triggered for the first time in a while. I had reached out to a woman I met at an event I spoke at and suggested collaborating. She visited my profile, which was expected. Then I noticed she copied the way I did my posts. Then, she copied the way I announced my events. I have always looked at being copied as a compliment. It means you are doing something right. I just smiled. Then, she contacted an event I was speaking at and offered money to take the speaking event from me for herself. Sorry, what? Are we still doing that kind of thing? If you read Memory Mansion, you know that I was severely bullied in school and dealt with brutal jealousy in my fashion career. When I say brutal, I am talking about having my maternity leave taken away right after birth. I was not in my best energy at the moment and got triggered. I pulled out my “dealing with getting triggered kit” and inspired today’s newsletter.
We all have moments when something or someone triggers us. It might be a comment, a situation, or even a look that stirs up old emotions and causes us to react out of proportion. The instinct to react is natural, but how we choose to respond matters. Here are some tools and techniques to help you take control of your reactions and reclaim your peace when triggered.
Pause and Breathe
When you feel triggered, the first step is to create space between the trigger and your response. Take a deep breath. It might sound simple, but breathing deeply and slowly helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body. This allows you to gather your thoughts and avoid reacting impulsively. You’ll be amazed at how just a few deep breaths can create clarity and peace amid emotional chaos.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Don’t try to suppress your emotions. Recognize what you’re feeling. Are you angry, sad, anxious, or frustrated? Labeling your emotion helps you take ownership of it rather than letting it control you. Instead of saying, "I’m so angry at him," say, "I feel anger right now." This slight shift gives you the power back and reminds you that emotions are temporary experiences, not permanent states.
Examine the Trigger
Ask yourself, “Why did this situation affect me so deeply?” Often, triggers are linked to unresolved issues from the past. Maybe the situation reminded you of a previous wound or insecurity. Reflecting on the root cause of your reaction can provide insights into your emotional triggers and empower you to address the underlying issue. Awareness is the first step toward healing.
Ground Yourself in the Present
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to ground yourself. Engage your senses by noticing what’s around you. Touch something near you, listen to the sounds in your environment, or focus on the rhythm of your breath. Grounding yourself in the present moment pulls you away from the emotional storm and into a place of clarity, allowing you to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Reframe the Situation
Our minds often jump to conclusions or make assumptions when we’re triggered. Take a step back and try to reframe the situation. Instead of assuming someone is attacking you personally, ask yourself if there’s another perspective. Maybe the person didn’t mean to upset you, or perhaps they are acting out of their own pain. Reframing can reduce the intensity of your emotions and help you approach the situation with empathy.
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Communicate Mindfully
If your trigger involves another person, it’s essential to communicate with intention. Express your feelings using “I” statements, such as “I felt hurt when…” rather than “You made me feel…” This prevents the conversation from becoming accusatory and allows both parties to speak from a place of vulnerability and understanding.
Self-Care Afterward
After you've processed the trigger, engage in self-care to restore your energy and balance. Whether it's through meditation, a walk in nature, or journaling, it’s important to nurture yourself. Self-care allows you to release any lingering tension and regain your emotional equilibrium. This is also a great time to reflect on the trigger and learn from the experience so you can respond even more mindfully next time.
Practice Forgiveness
Lastly, remember to forgive yourself and others. When triggered, it’s easy to fall into self-blame or resentment, but holding onto negative emotions only weighs you down. Forgiveness is liberating. Letting go of grudges opens up space for peace and healing.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Your Triggers
It’s normal to feel triggered but remember: You are not defined by your reactions. Taking responsibility for your emotions and using tools like breathwork, self-reflection, and mindfulness can transform your triggers into opportunities for growth and emotional mastery. Every time you respond instead of reacting, you build resilience and create a life of greater peace and self-awareness.
Now, go ahead, take a deep breath, and reclaim your inner peace when the world seems to be pushing your buttons. You've got this!
If you enjoy everything metaphysical and spiritual, join me at the New Life Expo in NYC (at Nikola Tesla’s last home, the New Yorker Hotel) for a speech on higher consciousness! I will channel messages from the cosmos and share how we can collectively create a more beautiful world for humanity.
Wishing you a beautiful, high-vibe week!
Love and light,
Cynthia
