What Your Triggers Are Trying to Tell You (It’s Not What You Think)

Let’s be real for a minute: triggers are the emotional equivalent of stepping on a Lego in the dark.

One second you're fine—maybe folding laundry, scrolling your phone, or enjoying your coffee—and the next, your chest tightens, your eyes sting, and you’re fighting back an urge to either cry, run, or throw a whole grown-up tantrum (just me?).

I used to think being triggered meant I was weak or “too much.” Now I know better.

Being triggered just means you have tender places still healing. That’s all. You’re not broken, dramatic, or behind—you’re just human, and you’re learning to pay attention.

🧩 Triggers = Clues

Think of a trigger as a little emotional flare saying,
“Hey... remember me? I didn’t get a chance to heal properly the first time.”

Sometimes it’s connected to childhood stuff. Sometimes it’s from a past relationship, or a season where we felt small, invisible, abandoned, or not enough. Sometimes it’s hormonal and we’re just hungry and tired and one passive-aggressive text away from losing it (amen?).

But here’s the thing: your trigger isn’t the enemy. It’s a teacher. And once you start treating it that way, everything starts to shift.

🛠️ What To Do When You Get Triggered

Here’s a simple little process I use personally (and coach my clients through too):

1. Take a breath. Then take another.

Your nervous system needs to know you’re safe.
Say it out loud if you need to: “I’m safe. I’m allowed to feel this.”

2. Name the emotion.

Not the story. Not the blame. Just the feeling.
“I feel rejected.”
“I feel like I don’t matter.”
“I feel completely overwhelmed and like I want to hide.”

Naming it takes the sting out of it.

3. Ask your heart: What is this really about?

Get curious, not judgmental. Is this about now… or is this bringing up something from then?

(Also, check if you need a snack. I’m just saying. Sometimes I don’t need healing—I need a sandwich.)

4. Give yourself what you needed back then.

Reassurance. Love. Boundaries. Space to feel.
Talk to that little version of you. The one who didn’t know how to process all this before. She’s still in there. She just needs to know you’re showing up for her now.

🌱 You’re Not Failing—You’re Healing

You are allowed to be triggered and still be growing.
You are allowed to feel deeply and still be walking in your purpose.
You are allowed to have messy moments and still be a powerful, wise, loving woman of faith.

Healing isn’t linear—and it sure isn’t always cute—but it is worth it.
Your triggers don’t define you. They invite you to heal, deeper and more fully, one moment at a time.

You’ve come so far already. Be gentle with yourself. You’re doing holy work.

P.S. I’m creating a Trigger Tracker soon—something soft and sweet to help you recognize patterns, show yourself compassion, and take steps toward healing. Let me know if you’d love a copy when it’s ready! 💕

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