We all know how uncomfortable it is when someone’s actions press on something deeper within us that we just haven’t found the courage to face. It makes us feel vulnerable, exposed, and sometimes a bit embarrassed. So how do we manage ourselves when we become triggered and feel like we’re losing control? How can you use self-empowerment to overcome emotional triggers to regain your sense of self?
Below is a sample guideline to walk you through some simple key points using self-awareness of what happens when you become triggered, and simple tips you can begin to practice today.
Tips for Self-Empowerment to Overcome Emotional Triggers
- Recognize when you are being triggered.
I think we all know when this is happening, but depending on your level of consciousness, you may not be able to easily identify your experience as an emotional trigger that is taking place. Many people, in fact, don’t know what an ’emotional trigger’ is or what it means. An emotional trigger is when you have an immediate emotional, mental, or physical reaction that happens without a moment of hesitation. It is a visceral reaction to being exposed to a sight, sound, emotion, environment, image, words, or even a person that causes an extreme response in the body’s systems. Chaos takes over, like you’re on an intense high that causes you to think or react irrationally. It isn’t until hours, days, or even weeks later that you’re able to ground back into your body and look at the situation calmly.
The next time you feel triggered, remind yourself that you are being triggered, that the feeling will pass, and that you CAN respond appropriately and rationally after you have given yourself the space to center and ground yourself. Consciously take time alone for yourself to process the situation. And do this with respect for yourself and others.
- Take full responsibility for your triggers.
So you’ve been triggered. What is this trigger teaching you? What do you need to heal, and what actions are you taking to be 100% responsible for them? We are each responsible for our wounds. If someone has done you wrong or hurt you, you are responsible for your healing. Blaming others, projecting your unmet needs, and playing the victim will not lead you to a place of growth, self-empowerment, and freedom. I know this is really hard to do sometimes, to own ALL of your stuff, but it is yours, after all. You are the gatekeeper to your emotional freedom and inner peace. Search to be humbled by your wounds. You will one day find immense gratitude there.
- Feed yourself with compassion.
Compassion is an incredible healer! Allow yourself to feel self-compassion and self-love to pull you through your shadows and darkness. Forgive yourself. Forgive those who have hurt you. Let go of what went wrong or fell apart in relationships, friendships, jobs, family, past decisions and choices, but extract the wisdom from ALL of it. Pain is where we transform into our greatness. You are a spiritual being here to learn how to evolve your SOUL. How can you evolve if you don’t make mistakes? How are you learning to love yourself, and show yourself a little more kindness with each one?
Perfection is not possible, but your soul’s evolution will continue to expand further when you allow your experiences to shape you and build your character, and well, this always feels good!
- Forgive the person who triggered you.
Forgiveness comes from a wise heart. Not everyone has the space and capacity within them to forgive. Sometimes, it’s a HUGE ask and just can’t be done, and that is OK. Setting healthy boundaries is a vital practice to protect your well-being from those who hurt you. Sometimes it’s intentional, but often times it is not, and the person is just stuck in their own stuff like you are, but in a different way. Be able to recognize this and view the person in a neutral position. If you need help in doing this, consult with a trusted therapist who can give you a healthy, unbiased, truthful perspective.
Forgiveness is also connected with compassion and humbleness. When you forgive someone, you are doing it for yourself because feeling at peace is more important to you than revenge. I read in a spiritual book once that if you have even the slightest feeling or thought to ‘get someone back’, then you have not yet learned how to forgive. We must forgive as we would be forgiven. We are one big human family. We are all here trying to find our way, to heal, and learn how to love. But, this does not mean to let someone off the hook and continue to hurt you.
Consciousness on our planet is evolving. What is your reality that you may believe, “doesn’t everyone see my point of view and see what I’m seeing?”, is completely erroneous. You have no clue what another person’s reality and life is like because you have not lived in their body. People hide themselves every day, and deny what is really going on with them out of fear. Remember this, and act from the highest within you.
You Are An Empowered Being
Remember, you are your own authority and have power of choice. If you feel any other way, healing and inner work is needed. Make yourself a priority, receive the support and therapy you need to become your best, most elevated, authentic self. When you do this, you are doing the world a huge favor, and you will be happier and more available to enjoy your life and those in it.
I hope you enjoyed reading my tips on using self-empowerment to overcome emotional triggers. I would love to hear your thoughts on how this resonated with you. Feel free to leave a comment below to share your thoughts.
Sarah Christine Graham is a Licensed Soul Therapist professionally trained and mentored by Deborah Skye King of Soul Therapy School®. She is a spiritual guide for women who helps clients break free from their past and step into their truth. With empathy and compassion, she provides support for issues such as codependency, self-sabotage, low self-worth, and dysfunctional family relationships. Sarah offers consistent, long-term guidance to promote lifelong healing and profound alignment in all areas of life. Her work creates less fear, a lighter heart, and more freedom to thrive. Book a complimentary Soul Therapy Consultation to begin healing your human conditioning and connecting with your authentic soul essence.
Are you a woman desiring to awaken to her spiritual gifts? Learn more about the 13 Mystical Wisdom Teachings Apprenticeship training here.