As we stand at the edge of another year, ready to leap into the exciting blank canvas that is 2025, I often find myself caught in a whirl of mixed emotions.
On one hand, there’s the thrill of stepping into the new year, yet on the other, that persistent pressure to reflect on the goals we may not have quite hit.
But, what if we shift the focus? Instead of mulling over what didn’t happen, let’s celebrate the brilliance of the moments that did—those glimmer moments.
Glimmer moments are those small, magical fragments of joy that light up our lives when we pause to notice them. This concept comes from an amazing psychotherapist named Deb Dana, who describes them as the opposite of triggers. Where triggers ignite stress, glimmers bring calm, connection and joy. They’re unique to each one of us and have the power to transform our outlook on life.
As we wrap up 2024, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the blend of joy, challenges, laughter and growth this year has been. Amidst all the upheaval, it’s easy to zero in on what we didn’t achieve. But what if we choose to celebrate the small but powerful moments that made our year extraordinary? Imagine the kind word from a stranger, the unexpected embrace from a loved one or the joy of accomplishing something you’d always dreamed of. These are the threads that weave a life well lived.
My year was filled with glimmer moments—watching my son dance with his granny at his 21st birthday party, diving into the ocean with loved ones and even getting lost in Sydney with a friend, which turned into lots of giggles and a memorable story. These weren’t grand events; they were moments of connection and presence. I wonder, what were your glimmers this year? Perhaps it’s as simple as the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning or the serenity of reading your favourite book.
Reflecting on and appreciating these glimmers has a profound impact on our mental health. There’s science behind this too—gratitude rewires our brain, helping us feel calmer and more connected. As Oprah Winfrey beautifully puts it, “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” Recognising glimmers isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a necessity—an act of self-care rooting us in the present.
I’d like to share a magical activity we recently did at my end-of-year event in Sydney. We went through our phone photos, month by month, to pinpoint our glimmer moments. The energy in the room transformed as people smiled, laughed, and even teared up, realising the joy and progress their year had held. Why not try this yourself? As we approach New Year’s Eve, make time to look through your photos, relive those wonderful moments and jot them down.
This ritual of reflecting on glimmers, something I do every New Year’s Eve, always brings a broad smile to my face. It grounds me in gratitude, reminding me of how much I’ve grown and achieved. Why don’t you give it a shot this year? Set aside some time on December 31st to reflect on the past year’s glimmers. You might be surprised at how this exercise slows down an otherwise fleeting year and shifts your perspective to appreciate the joy that unfolded.
As we finish off the year, let me remind you—you are amazing, and the glimmer moments throughout this year are proof of your resilience, growth, and brilliance. Let’s step into 2025 with this practice, continuously noticing and celebrating these stepping stones to a joyful and fulfilling life.
If you feel inspired to share, I’d love to hear about your glimmer moments; reach out, send a message or comment where you’re reading this. Let’s keep celebrating together. Have a truly remarkable end of 2024, and until next time, keep finding and cherishing those glimmers.
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