šŸ’­ Finding glimmers in your life

Monday 10/13: Sponsored by Cornbread Hemp and Money.com - glimmers, social acceptance, toxic positivity

Monday

"I let my presence be enough."

Welcome to Monday! Today, we're chatting about:

  • Finding glimmers in your life

  • Why you care about what others think

  • Make the most of your downtime

  • When positivity can be toxic

  • Being prepared for expensive car repairs

True or False?

Practicing gratitude can make your brain more resilient over time.

Scroll for the answer!

What Glimmers Are and Why They Matter

Glimmers are the micro-moments that bring you back to yourself: the flicker of sunlight through leaves, the warmth of a pet nearby, the smell of coffee brewing. Coined by therapist Deb Dana, the term describes the opposite of a trigger: a signal of safety that helps your nervous system shift from fight-or-flight into calm and connection.

These tiny moments activate the parasympathetic ā€œrest-and-digestā€ response, lowering stress hormones and grounding you in the present. Noticing them regularly can build emotional resilience, gently rewiring your brain to seek balance rather than stress.

Start simple: spot one glimmer a day. Write it down, or pause long enough to feel it. Over time, these small anchors create a ripple effect of peace and remind you that calm doesn’t have to be complicated.

Why You Care So Much About What People Think

It’s normal to want to be liked, but when every glance or comment feels like a judgment, it’s easy to lose yourself in the noise. Our brains are wired for belonging, yet that same instinct can spiral into overthinking and self-criticism.

Psychologists say one way to quiet the loop is to remind yourself that most people aren’t thinking about you nearly as much as you think. Replaying conversations or mind-reading others’ reactions only fuels anxiety. Instead, ground yourself in what’s real: the facts, not the fears.

You can’t control what others think, but you can control what you focus on. Try redirecting that energy inward toward what actually makes you feel secure, calm, and proud of who you are.

Feel Your Best with Cornbread

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Thank you to Cornbread Hemp for sponsoring Note To Self. 

The Problem with Toxic Positivity

There’s a fine line between optimism and avoidance. Toxic positivity happens when you pressure yourself to ā€œlook on the bright sideā€ or force gratitude when things actually feel heavy. It may sound productive, but it silences real emotions that need space to move through.

True calm comes from honesty, not forced cheer. Let yourself be sad, frustrated, or tired without labeling it as failure. Those feelings are information. Your body and mind are telling you what needs rest, repair, or attention.

Instead of asking how to feel better right away, try asking what your emotions are trying to show you. Sometimes, the most healing thing you can do is simply admit, ā€œThis is hard,ā€ and let that be enough.

Protect Your for $300 Less

Experts are urging drivers to prepare for rising car repair prices due to uncertainty about how upcoming tariffs will impact replacement part prices. An extended car warranty could help you offset these unexpected rises and avoid expensive repairs. Right now, one of the nation’s leading car warranty providers is offering $300 off your new contract so you can find quality protection for less.

Why Endurance?

  • 24/7 roadside assistance

  • No-hassle claims process

  • Money-back guarantee window

Terms and conditions apply. Read Endurance’s website disclosures and disclaimers for important information.

Thank you to Money.com for sponsoring Note To Self.

The Pause

Before you go, take a small pause from your day with this tip brought to you by The Note To Self editors.

Unplugged Moment: Collect a few fallen leaves and arrange them on your table or windowsill.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

  • āœ… True or False: True. Gratitude activates brain areas tied to emotion regulation and reward.

  • šŸŒ… Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

  • šŸ’­ Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Some days, positivity looks like a deep breath. Other days, it’s a small win, a kind word, or just remembering that things can shift.

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