As world events unfold around us, challenging our ways of thinking and living, it feels like triggering landmines are everywhere. One person’s victory is another’s grief-stricken loss. Our election system is a zero-sum game. It’s not inherently bad; it’s just the way it is. The problem arises when we wrap ourselves in the mantle of our “side” and other those who don’t share it. Whether we’re being “othered” or doing the othering, triggers start popping off like fireworks on the Fourth of July. And with the holidays coming up, this can create tension, making it harder to maintain healthy relationships.

But, here’s the thing. We can do some work now to prepare. Let’s explore what triggers are, how to stop their negative impact, and—most importantly—how to use them for good.

Have you ever been driving along, enjoying the open road, when someone suddenly pulls out in front of you, driving like it’s a Sunday stroll? Or maybe the guy in the left lane of a two-lane highway is creeping along five miles under the speed limit, oblivious to everyone else? We’ve all been there, right? These situations are emotional triggers, sparking feelings of frustration, anger, or even anxiety. Triggers activate our fight, flight, or freeze responses, causing us to react impulsively or emotionally.

Interrupting the Cycle

The first step in dealing with your triggers is identifying them. Start by paying attention to the emotions that arise in certain situations. When you feel that intense emotion, pause. What’s behind it? Look for patterns in your triggers. For example, think about the recent election cycle—how did it affect you? Did it trigger any past experiences or unresolved feelings? By practicing self-awareness, you can begin to recognize when you’re being triggered.

Once you’re aware, it’s time to act. Use coping skills like deep breathing or mindfulness to ground yourself. Make sure to express your feelings and needs to others in healthy ways, so you can avoid bottling things up. Another powerful tool is to create a plan for how to respond when triggered. Instead of reacting negatively, you can replace old habits with more positive, intentional reactions.

Setting Positive Triggers

And here’s where it gets interesting. You can actually set intentional triggers for positive change. Just as certain cues can trigger unwanted reactions, you can create reminders that prompt growth-oriented responses. Maybe you set a “gratitude trigger” whenever you turn on a faucet, a “kindness trigger” when you greet someone in passing, or a “patience trigger” when you get behind the wheel of a car. By associating specific actions with positive habits, you can start building new, constructive reactions that support your personal growth.

We all have the power to shape how we respond to the world around us. By understanding our triggers, we can stop them from causing harm and we can harness their energy to create meaningful change in our own lives. Thanks for doing the work to get there.

#Soar Above Achieve Beyond