How I Learned to Manage My Triggers and Found True Happiness

When I first embarked on my journey toward happiness, I had no idea it would start with something as simple yet complex as managing my triggers. Triggers are those little things that can flip our mood from sunny to stormy in a matter of seconds. For years, I felt completely powerless against them, letting them dictate my emotions and reactions.

By sharing my story, I hope to highlight how working on our triggers can lead to a happier life, allowing everything to flow more seamlessly.

Understanding Triggers

To grasp the importance of managing our triggers, we first need to understand what they are. Triggers can be anything—a specific scent, a song, watching the news, driving in your car, a phrase, or even a person—that evokes a strong emotional response. These reactions often stem from past experiences and unresolved feelings.

Take, for example, the scent of freshly baked cookies. For some, it might evoke warm memories of childhood. For others, it could trigger feelings of loss if they associate it with a loved one who is no longer around. In my case, certain songs reminded me of a tough childhood I had, leading me straight into a pit of sadness and anger.

Before I understood my triggers, my life often felt like a rollercoaster. The highs were fleeting, often followed by gut-wrenching lows, creating a cycle that was exhausting.

The Turning Point

My journey toward managing my triggers began during a particularly part of my life where everything fell apart. I lost my dog, lost my father, went through a divorce, lost a job, lost my best friend to colon cancer, lost my sister to mental illness, and moved. As I was going through all this, I kept just marching on. Everyday stressors, paired with unexpected news, left me on the verge of an emotional breakdown. After a few days of feeling lost, I decided I needed change.

I took a step back to examine my emotional responses. What was behind my feelings of anxiety and sadness? This marked the beginning of my exploration into emotional triggers, setting me on a path I never expected.

Observing Patterns

Once I started this self-exploration, I noticed some patterns. Specific situations—like yelling at my daughter or being angry in the car at other drivers—would trigger deep feelings of being taken advantage of. Furthermore, certain phrases or remarks from my past could suddenly send me spiraling into negativity.

Keeping a journal became crucial in this process. I recorded my emotions, linked them to events, and noted my thoughts. For example, after writing about a time when I snapped at someone because I thought they didn’t believe what I said. When I sat with myself, took some deep breaths, put my hand on my heart, and asked why I fellt that way. I identified it stemmed from a previous experience of feeling gaslit when I was a child . Not only did this practice help me recognize my triggers, but it also unveiled the core issues affecting my emotional reactions.

Taking Responsibility

Recognizing my triggers was just the first step. To achieve true happiness, I needed to take responsibility for how I reacted to them. I learned skills and strategies to manage my emotions during triggering moments.

One effective technique was deep breathing. Whenever I sensed a strong emotional reaction building up, I would pause and take a few deep breaths. I would start to be the witness to the situation instead of being in the situation. I would say to myself, “ Oh! There’s Anna being triggered again, how interesting! “. This simple act significantly diminished the intensity of my emotions. Studies show deep breathing can lower stress by up to 30 percent, helping individuals regain a sense of control. And witnessing your own personality you are not run by your own personality.

Healing Old Wounds

As I explored the world of triggers, I found many of them rooted in unresolved issues from my past. This realization was both liberating and daunting. To heal, I needed to confront memories and emotions I had buried for too long.

I traveled to Sedona and attended a Self Love Retreat, it was a game changer! I learned about the importance of self-compassion and forgiveness—both toward myself and those who hurt me. I was introduced to breathwork, which helped release so much emotion that was stored in me. I meditate everyday, I do some kind of movement each day, I changed the way I eat, and read some amazing books. Slowly but surely, I began to let go of the grip old wounds had on my happiness.

Finding Joy in the Present

As I worked on my triggers, I became more aware of the beauty around me. I began engaging in activities that brought me joy, free from the weight of my past. Simple pleasures like going for a walk or reading a good book transformed into sources of happiness.

The best part? I finally felt a wonderful flow in my life. Tasks that once seemed overwhelming became manageable. I could tackle challenges with a clear mind, knowing I had the tools to navigate any emotional responses.

Hiking is a great way to ground yourself

Embracing the Journey

I’ve learned managing triggers isn't a quick fix. It's a journey that ebbs and flows, much like life itself. Some days, I feel on top of the world; on others, I might slip back into old patterns. But now I have the awareness and skills to navigate those moments more effectively.

The more we understand our triggers, the better prepared we are to respond healthily. I found that embracing this journey, with all its ups and downs, makes life feel more genuine.

Finding Your Way

Working on my triggers has fundamentally transformed my sense of happiness. It's not about avoiding discomfort but embracing and learning from it.

If you’re reading this and wondering how to manage your own triggers, take it slow. Begin by observing your emotions and identifying what triggers them. Next, explore techniques that empower you to respond differently. This is what I help people with in my sessions.

As you travel this path, you may discover a deeper sense of happiness and the ability to let life flow. True happiness comes from navigating challenges with grace rather than shying away from them.

Me in Sedona

Happy exploring!

Book a discovery call with me and see if we are a good fit!

Anna

Anna Style Healing