Here’s Why I’m Chasing Glimmers Instead of Goals This New Year
“Glimmers are micro-moments of regulation that foster feelings of well-being.” —Deb Dana
I’m over the whole ‘New Year, New Me’ mantra and the pressure of setting rigid goals for myself.
It’s not that I don’t believe in personal growth or the power of striving for positive change—I do. Setting goals gives me a sense of direction and keeps me grounded. But here’s the thing—when I focus too much on chasing goals and pushing for self-improvement, I often miss something just as important: the small, meaningful moments scattered throughout my day. And I know I’m not alone in this.
How many of us are living in a constant rush, juggling multiple roles, plowing through to-do lists, and running from one meeting to the next? We get swept up in the fast pace of life and the days start to blur together. Personally, life starts to feel mechanical when I stay in this mode for too long. I switch to autopilot and my body grows tense, my mind becomes overloaded, and the weight of stress builds. Then my gut almost always flares up (hello, IBS), and before I know it, I’ve retreated into self-preservation mode, leaving my relationships feeling distant.
Soon, my goals feel farther out of reach. Even though I know comparison isn’t helpful, when I’m sinking, it’s hard not to compare myself to others. I’ll look at how everyone around me is (seemingly) handling the same pressures and easily spiral into self-criticism. Then, I’m stuck in a cycle that leaves me feeling disconnected from my own life. Basically, I become the worst version of myself. It’s definitely not the way I want to live my life.
But there’s always something I can turn to that helps me slow down, reconnect, and notice the beauty around me—something called “glimmers.”
What Are Glimmers?
These moments don’t erase our struggles but offer us a brief invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the world. The best part? They’re always there, waiting to be noticed.
Think about it: How often do you find yourself experiencing glimmers without even realizing it? Maybe it’s the awe of a sunset, the comfort of your first sip of morning coffee, or the joy of exchanging a smile with a stranger. For me, it’s when I watch my youngest daughter sketch page after page of mushrooms, listen to my oldest daughter laugh at my husband’s ridiculous dad jokes, or when I slip on a pair of cozy socks before bed.
Glimmers are so much more than fleeting flashes of joy and beauty. They leave a lasting impact on our physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Here are just a few ways glimmers can support us:
The Benefits of Chasing Glimmers
1. They regulate your nervous system.
Chasing glimmers calms our nervous system by signaling to our bodies that we’re safe. These small moments of peace and connection can shift us out of fight-or-flight mode, lower cortisol levels, and ease physical tension.
2. They reduce stress and anxiety.
Chasing glimmers provides a much-needed reprieve from the weight of stress and anxiety. Therapist Aundi Kolber notes that finding joy in small things helps us refocus from the overwhelming to the grounding. In these moments, we breathe easier, feel lighter, and gain a sense of relief and comfort. (You can read more about this in Aundi Kolber’s book Try Softer.)
3. They boost your mood and build emotional resilience.
Every time we experience a glimmer, our mood lifts. These moments remind us that goodness still exists. By seeking glimmers, we strengthen our ability to bounce back from adversity and face life’s challenges with greater hope and empowerment. This fuels our emotional resilience.
4. They cultivate mindfulness and presence.
Glimmers gently pull us into the present moment. They encourage us to pause, breathe, and fully engage with what’s happening here and now. This simple mindfulness practice reduces anxiety and improves emotional regulation. We often practice it without even realizing it.
5. They foster social connection.
Many glimmers come from social moments—those brief instances when we feel truly seen and heard. A hug, a shared laugh, or a meaningful conversation can build a deeper sense of connection and belonging. These moments remind us that we’re not alone but part of a community.
6. They enhance well-being and support emotional healing.
Glimmers connect us to something larger than ourselves, offering moments of peace and contentment. Whether it’s the beauty found in nature or the sound of the ocean waves, these simple moments positively impact our physical and emotional health. Even in times of grief and stress, glimmers can shift our focus from pain to relief, offering hope and reminding us that healing is possible.
7. They supports spiritual connection and growth.
For many of us, glimmers are spiritual in nature. Whether through awe, nature, or a sense of divine presence, these moments remind us that we’re part of something larger. These moments feel like God’s little kisses, and gentle reminders that our Maker loves, sees, and knows us.
Are You Ready to Start Chasing Glimmers?
I’m letting go of the pressure to meet big, lofty goals, and instead focusing on the small, beautiful moments that nourish my body, mind, and spirit. I’m choosing to notice the sunsets, the quiet connections, and the everyday beauty I might have missed in the rush to “do more.”
These tiny moments of light don’t erase the challenges I’m facing—they remind me that even in the chaos, I can find peace. Even in the struggle, there’s space for joy. Even when I feel stuck, a simple moment can help me reset and reconnect with myself and the world around me.
What about you? What glimmers have you noticed in your life? What small moments bring you a sense of peace and wonder? Let’s chase them together and keep moving forward—one beautiful moment at a time.
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It might be hard to spot the glimmers if you’ve been battling life’s punches. Here’s how to recover those special moments amid the harder ones: If You Think Joy Should Feel Better Than This! – 261
