Friday

"I let my presence be enough."

Happy Friday! Today, we're chatting about:

• Finding glimmers in your life

• Why you care about what others think

• A reminder to take care of you

• When positivity can be toxic

• Why getting your hormones checked is important

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 “rest-and-digest” 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.

A Reminder to Take Care of You

You check in on work. You check in on friends. When was the last time you checked in on yourself? BetterHelp makes it easier to carve out space for your mental well-being. After a short questionnaire, you’ll be matched with a licensed therapist who fits your needs—often within 24 hours. Sessions are available by phone, video, or live chat, and you can message your therapist anytime, so support feels steady and accessible. Whether you’re navigating change, managing stress, or simply sorting through your thoughts, therapy can be a powerful way to reconnect with yourself. Get 25% off your first month of therapy and make this your reminder to start.

Get 25% Off and Take the First Step

Thank you to BetterHelp 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 “look on the bright side” 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, “This is hard,” and let that be enough.

Feeling off lately? It could be your hormones.

Allara helps women understand the root cause of their hormonal or metabolic symptoms with a comprehensive care team that combines expert medical and nutrition guidance. Whether you're managing PCOS, fertility challenges, perimenopause, thyroid conditions, or unexplained symptoms, you'll get a personalized care plan backed by advanced diagnostic testing and ongoing support. This isn't about quick fixes. It's about getting clarity and feeling like yourself again, with care that's accessible virtually and covered by insurance.

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Parting Thoughts

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

• 🌅 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!

• 💭 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.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!