Positive Triggers

[shimmerz]

Okay, I am trying my best to walk out in the world these days. It is tough. And I recognize that I have been so focused on all of my negative triggers (in order to work on them and heal) that I have forgotten about looking at positive triggers. You know, things that empower me (or at least give me some sort of positive feeling).

So I wanted to start this thread to see if people have positive triggers - things that they do in order to feel good - that they have recognized.

I realized this morning that my diy toothpaste that I have created gives me a sense of autonomy, and has me feel good about myself. So every day when I brush my teeth with it I have this 'I did good' feeling about how I did this. And that it makes me feel good ---- finally.

I was thinking if people shared this type of feel good stuff it might give others ideas about how to start setting themselves up with positive trigger. You know, feel crappy about yourself Shimmerz? Go brush your teeth! Honestly, if this had been my only source of 'feel good' stuff back in the day, I would have shot myself in the head.... but after much recovery, well, I am grabbing onto the fact that I love brushing my teeth every day with this stuff. Otherwise, it could be a song that gives a feeling of power, or driving to the store all by yourself, or taking your dog out for a walk.... anything.

Anyone?

ETA: A positive trigger, to me, is something that makes me feel good that I know that if I decide to change my mood to happy, empowered, proud, whatever, then I can make a decision to do so. It is my toolkit of stuff that is good for my soul that I know can be triggered just by thinking about them.... and more so by doing them.

 

[Bloomy]

Recently bought a electrical toohbush and that gives me a real good feeling. Havent been able to brush well enoough on my own - or as dentist says I brush to hard and kill my gums. So yeah - electrical toothbrush gives me good feeling to.
I do hikes in nature with my Precious (camera). Precious gives me an excuse to go out and also learns me how to be present and observe and see. Gives me sense of tranquility on the best days. And some great photos like yesterday in misty frost icey magic forest.
Just got a polar400 and back to running with it. Also makes me feel good.

Yeah I actually do quite much stuff in order to feel good. Specially after becoming member here. I clean the house even if Im so tired Im zombiefied. I reckognize that keeping things as neat as possbile I feel better then I would otherwise. Take responsiblity I belive it called.
Bobbie Love (profile picture) makes me feel better too.

Good thread @shimmerz

 

[Ronin]

Not exactly sure if they're 'triggers' but fine, I'll go with 'that's things that produce any reaction' and not get nitpicky :P

There with you on DYI things.

I'm currently sticking with things I know *how* to do myself, as implementation of everything bit sucks, so taking it smaller (that knowledge is somewhere. Over there.) Friday reminded me the other day I know at least part of my needed medication making which made my day for half of the week. & Herbalism does this. Can't fricking remember a lot of things but I can so go off shapes of things & knowing how they combine with other things even on bad days.

Mechanics. Currently what I'm up to with getting back to present time, head out of my ass, and away from depression. Repairs & tools & making schtuff. Broken small things that I can fix are totally buddies to spend time with.

Planting stuff. Growing something up from the seeds? A miracle. It's witnessing a miracle in progress and damned interesting to watch. Also helps me to remember I maybe can't take care of anyone & anything else living & generic fail at life but hey, that tomato plant made it through just fine. :P

This is soo supposed to be a longer list but I forgot the rest. Cough. So yeah.

 

[Bloomy]

@Ronin just felt like giving you a :hug: after that post. Hope its ok. Cough cough.

 

[shimmerz]

I'll go with 'that's things that produce any reaction' and not get nitpicky

Greatly appreciated as I would love to keep the tone of this thread .... well, positive. You can call it whatever you like but would love 'what it's called' wars out of this thread.

 

[Ronin]

... aand the above just reminded me of another of those 'positive triggers' that I've been meaning to add and forgetting. :D Thank you @shimmerz.

Communication. Finding new ways to communicate & how to uphold the old ways & how to smoothen up the old ways so they're something else than what they were for originally, but still applicable and useful and useful for moving forward.

 

[anonymous]

I will get nit picky.

I think it's unfortunate that you hijack mental health language for your own needs. (Thus adding to public misperceptions.)

Before it was Stockholm syndrome and now this? IMHO this hijacking of the word trigger is worse than that done by Tumblr members.

<Why I won't be participating. Idiots will google "trigger" and find this thread. Soon we won't be taken seriously by anyone at all.>

It's one thing when someone without PTSD makes life harder for us, another thing when someone with very symptomatic lifelong PTSD does the same. Do you even realize what you're doing?

Please don't give me this "but I put the word positive in front so it's different" stuff. No, just no. I think you're largely self serving and don't think through the things that you do.

If this place becomes like Tumblr then I'm seriously out.

 

[ladee]

My goofy dog.if she senses I'm off track she makes talking noises like the cartoon Scooby Do.
I have to laugh.
Going rock hunting on the back roads. Seeing butterfly are a beautiful trigger for me. Always reminds me of better and happier days.
.
This is a great thread. I know there are more.

 

[shimmerz]

I think you're largely self serving and don't think through the things that you do.

lol. You are more than welcome to think that way. And yes, you are more than welcome to think that I am 'largely self serving' as well. Feel free not to participate, but by posting anonymously, you are participating, right?

 

[Ronin]

May we please go back to the topic?

It seems rather clear Shimmerz is aware of the usage of the word 'trigger' and chose the word in the title as a shorthand. It just happens catchy titles get attention and responses fast, and is a good way to make a thread that's potentially useful to many be seen.

Anon is agreeing that words have meanings indeed matters, you're both on the same page even if disagreeing with each other, and linguistic subtleties would be better suited for another thread that's specifically for discussing them.

This one is about things that kick us into life helping, oomph that feels darned good, action about our lives, and I'm doubtful pettiness is that.

 

[shimmerz]

This one is about things that kick us into life helping, oomph that feels darned good, action about our lives, and I'm doubtful pettiness is that.

Thank you.

 

[scout86]

The northern lights. Seeing the northern lights always takes me back to memories of good times in good places.