The Power of Glimmers
Written by Soph Mazza
We live in a world that is incredibly fast-paced and society teaches us to constantly focus on the future. From a young age, we are asked what we want to be when we grow up, and as we get older, we continue to face the same question. We’re taught to constantly focus on what's next for us, and this is both so exciting and overwhelming at the same time.
Something I think about a lot is the concept of the hedonic treadmill. This idea essentially means that as humans, we constantly strive for more.
For instance, a lot of us have thought, “I will be happy when I graduate high school.” So we put our heads down and work hard to achieve this goal. We feel so proud and so happy when we achieve this accomplishment. But those feelings of happiness and excitement start to fade and we return to our baseline as we start thinking about the next goal. Perhaps “I will be happy when I get a good job.” Soon after we achieve that, we might wish for a higher salary. Maybe the next goal after getting a good job is to buy a house, but maybe then we wish for a bigger yard or kitchen.
The hedonic treadmill is this idea that in life we are in a constant cycle that pushes us to achieve “bigger and better” things.
It’s a focus on what we believe we lack in life. A focus on milestones we believe will bring us joy in the future.
Now, with all that said, setting goals for ourselves and working hard to achieve them is such a beautiful thing and is heavily encouraged. However, as humans in this crazy world, we need to find a balance. We need to focus on what we do have - the present moment - and all the little milestones and beauty along the way to bigger goals.
Being in the present moment is a tool for personal growth and mental wellness. Mindfulness involves being fully present in the current moment, without judgement or distraction. It means observing our thoughts, feelings, and experiences as they arise, and accepting them without trying to change or escape them. It also means noticing all the little joys in our lives.
Glimmers are a powerful way to bring ourselves back to the present moment. They are small, seemingly insignificant instances throughout our day that bring us joy and happiness.
A glimmer could simply be noticing the warmth of the sun on your skin, hearing the sounds of birds chirping in the morning, or having a perfectly toasted grilled cheese.
Glimmers remind me of the saying, “stop and smell the roses.” People often say this as a reminder to pause and appreciate the little moments along our journeys. By paying attention to these moments, we train our minds to notice and appreciate the seemingly small positive things in our daily lives. Joy is often found in the simplest of things. Glimmers encourage us to slow down and savour the present moment.
The only moment that matters is the present moment. It is the only moment we truly have.
While it is natural to reflect on the past or plan for the future, dwelling too much on either can steal so many beautiful moments we experience in the present.
Reminder: the past is unchangeable, and the future is uncertain.
Embrace the beauty of now. Life is a collection of present moments; make each one count.
