What Are Glimmers? Finding Joy in the Chaos of Mom Life
Okay mama, let’s get real for a second. Between the endless “Mom, where’s my…” questions, the mountain of laundry that breeds when you’re not looking, and trying to remember if you actually ate lunch today, motherhood can feel like a non-stop circus.
And not the fun kind - more like the “who let all these monkeys loose?” kind.
We all know about triggers (hello, stepping on Legos or finding the milk left out… again). But let’s talk about something that might actually make your day better: glimmers.
What the Heck Are Glimmers?
Think of glimmers as tiny moments of “oh, this is actually nice” in the middle of your chaos. They’re like the opposite of those moments that make you want to hide in the pantry with the good snacks. Instead, they’re little pockets of peace that remind you why this whole mom gig is worth it.
(And no, I’m not talking about those picture-perfect Instagram moments. I’m talking about real, messy, beautiful life stuff.)
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 (Especially for Us Moms)
Look, I get it. When you’re juggling approximately 47 things at once, stopping to “notice the little moments” sounds about as realistic as having a hot cup of coffee… ever. But here’s the thing: glimmers aren’t about adding one more thing to your plate. They’re about noticing the good stuff that’s already there.
It’s like having a secret weapon against the overwhelm. When everything feels like too much, glimmers are your reset button.
Continued Reading From My Blog: Self-Compassion in Motherhood
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.
Finding Your Glimmers (No-Pinterest Perfect Moments Required)
Let’s talk about spotting these little joy bombs in your actual, real-life day:
A Moment of Quiet:
Maybe it’s that blissful five minutes before the kids wake up, or maybe that blessed silence when everyone’s actually playing nicely together? That’s a glimmer. Soak it in, mama.
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.
The Unexpected Sweet Stuff:
• Your kid’s random “I love you”
• Finding money in your jeans pocket
• That perfect song coming on the radio
• Your partner handling bedtime without being asked
• The baby actually napping when you need them to
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.
Ready to Find More Glimmers in Your Mom Life?
If you’re nodding along thinking “yes, but HOW do I actually make this work?” - I’ve got you.
As your mom life coach, I help overwhelmed mamas like you:
• Find joy in the chaos (without pretending it’s not chaos)
• Create moments of peace that actually fit your real life
• Build confidence in your motherhood journey
• Actually enjoy this season instead of just surviving it
Want to chat about finding your glimmers? Book a free “Joy in the Chaos” call where we’ll:
• Map out what’s really draining your joy
• Find your unique glimmer spots
• Create a quick plan to start enjoying motherhood more
• See if we’re a good fit for working together
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