Have you ever felt a tiny, quiet sense of calm in the middle of a busy or overwhelming day? Maybe it was the sun peeking through the window just right. Or the sound of a song you haven’t heard in years, yet it wrapped around you like an old friend. Or perhaps, for just a breath, you felt okay—even if life felt heavy five minutes before.

That, my dear, was a glimmer. And these moments are so much more important than we give them credit for, especially for us as midlife women.

What is a Glimmer?

The word glimmer was first used by Deb Dana, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in Polyvagal Theory—a beautiful framework about how our nervous system affects the way we feel and respond to the world. While many of us have heard about triggers—those moments that spark stress, anxiety, or shut us down—glimmers are their softer, loving opposite.

A glimmer is a tiny, everyday moment that tells your nervous system:

You are safe here. You are okay. You can exhale now.

It could be the sparkle of morning sunlight through the trees, the warmth of your coffee mug, the way a loved one says your name, or hearing laughter echo down the street.

Glimmers are simple, small, and often unexpected — but they are powerful.

They help you return to yourself, even when the world feels loud, uncertain, or exhausting.

The best part? Glimmers are everywhere, but most of us have been too busy, too stressed, or too disconnected to notice them. Midlife, however, is the perfect time to start noticing.

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Why Are Glimmers So Important, Especially in Midlife?

If you’re anything like me (and like so many women I know), midlife has not exactly been a gentle stroll through the park.

It has been motherhood, caregiving, heartbreak, career shifts, identity crises, hormonal chaos, and moments where we put ourselves at the bottom of the list because everyone else needed us first.

In midlife, we often find ourselves feeling worn down, disconnected, or numb—not because we are broken, but because life has been a lot. The nervous system, which is the part of you always scanning for danger and safety, has often been stuck in a state of survival mode for years.

And here is the gentle truth:

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to feel better. You don’t need to wait for everything to settle, for the house to be spotless, for the to-do list to be done, or for the scale to move.

You just need to notice the glimmers.

Every glimmer you notice helps to soften the nervous system’s constant state of hypervigilance. It says to your mind, body, and soul:

You are safe here. It’s okay to feel peace. It’s okay to feel joy. It’s okay to be present.

With practice, glimmers can help you:

• Reconnect with yourself after years of default living

• Feel more grounded and calm

• Navigate stress and uncertainty more gracefully

• Create tiny pockets of joy daily — no matter what is happening around you

• Begin to heal, gently and steadily

And my love, midlife is exactly when we need this the most.

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What Do Glimmers Look Like?

Glimmers are often small and simple—but don’t confuse that with meaningless. They are profound because they are accessible.

They don’t require you to be on a beach retreat or to have everything figured out. They meet you right in your kitchen, your backyard, your morning walk, or your everyday life.

Here are just a few:

• The soft glow of sunrise while you sip coffee

• The smell of fresh rain

• Hearing your child or grandchild’s laughter

• The cozy weight of a blanket

• A compliment that you actually let land

• Noticing how the breeze moves the trees outside

You might already be surrounded by glimmers—you just haven’t been looking for them intentionally. Until now.

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The Top 100 Everyday Glimmers for Midlife Women

I created this list with love, specifically for midlife women like you. Let this be your reminder that glimmers are everywhere.

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100 Everyday Glimmers

1.The warmth of the sun on your face

2.Birds singing outside your window

3.Freshly brewed coffee aroma

4.The softness of your favorite blanket

5.A deep, satisfying breath

6.Your pet looking at you with love

7.The sparkle of sunlight on water

8.Hearing a song you loved from your younger years

9.A handwritten note or card

10.Fresh flowers on your table

11.A smile from a stranger

12.Laughter shared with a friend

13.The quiet of the early morning

14.The sound of rain on the windows

15.Candlelight flickering in a dark room

16.The scent of fresh laundry

17.Hot tea in your favorite mug

18.A meaningful compliment

19.The feeling of bare feet on grass

20.Watching clouds float across the sky

21.Your favorite old photograph

22.The scent of your favorite perfume

23.A cozy sweater on a chilly day

24.Seeing your reflection and giving yourself a kind smile

25.The taste of a perfectly ripe fruit

26.A gentle breeze on your skin

27.Finding a heart-shaped rock, leaf, or cloud

28.The first sip of morning coffee or tea

29.Reading a quote that resonates deeply

30.Seeing the moon glowing at night

31.A small act of kindness from someone

32.Making eye contact with someone who “gets” you

33.The scent of fresh herbs while cooking

34.Watching a child play

35.Hearing your favorite laugh

36.Finding a lost item you forgot about

37.The calm after tidying a space

38.The sound of waves

39.The warmth of a bath or shower

40.The softness of clean sheets

41.Witnessing someone help another

42.Feeling fully listened to

43.A warm hug that lingers

44.The first signs of spring

45.Lighting incense or essential oils

46.The crunch of autumn leaves

47.A peaceful drive

48.A sunrise or sunset

49.A giggle from someone you love

50.Remembering a special memory

51.The smell of baked goods

52.Journaling a thought that brings clarity

53.Someone holding the door open

54.The first snow

55.Hearing your name spoken kindly

56.Finishing a good book

57.The soft touch of lotion

58.Watching birds gather

59.The quiet of home

60.A flickering fireplace

61.A butterfly fluttering by

62.Someone saying, “I’m proud of you”

63.The comfort of old pajamas

64.Reconnecting with an old friend

65.A breeze moving your curtains

66.Hearing wind chimes

67.A fresh journal

68.A good hair day

69.The peacefulness of a Sunday

70.Savoring the last bite of a favorite treat

71.The glow of string lights

72.Watching bees on flowers

73.A cozy rainy day

74.Feeling appreciated

75.The scent of a new candle

76.Stargazing

77.A random act of kindness you give

78.The first bloom of the season

79.A favorite childhood smell

80.Cooking a favorite recipe

81.Discovering a new favorite song

82.Receiving unexpected good news

83.Watching the seasons change

84.The sound of crackling wood

85.Someone remembering something important to you

86.The feeling after a deep conversation

87.A handwritten grocery list or love note

88.Taking off your shoes after a long day

89.The sky turning pink at dusk

90.Getting caught in a warm rain

91.Realizing you’ve slowed down

92.Watching a feel-good movie

93.Seeing wildflowers

94.Someone saying, “Thank you” with sincerity

95.The first sip of water when you’re thirsty

96.The feeling of self-acceptance

97.A quiet moment during a busy day

98.The leaves changing colors

99.Noticing how far you’ve come

100.Feeling loved — by yourself or others

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A Simple Glimmer Practice for Midlife Women

So, how do we really start noticing glimmers?

It’s simple, but deeply meaningful.

The Daily Glimmer Practice:

1.Intention:

Every morning, remind yourself: Today, I will notice glimmers.

2.Notice:

Throughout your day, gently stay open to small moments of beauty, calm, safety, or joy. No need to force it — just stay present.

3.Write it down:

At the end of the day, take 5 minutes to journal:

• What glimmers did I notice today?

• How did they make me feel?

• What did they remind me of?

4.Savor:

Before bed, read your glimmers list again. Allow yourself to feel them one more time. Let your body and nervous system receive them fully.

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Journal Prompt You Can Use Daily:

Today I noticed these glimmers: ____________.

The one that stood out the most was ____________ because it made me feel ____________.

I am grateful for these moments because ____________.

This simple act of noticing and recording will gently retrain your nervous system to notice more good. Over time, you’ll begin to feel more calm, joyful, and connected—even on the hard days.

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Midlife is the Perfect Time for Glimmers

Midlife isn’t a crisis, my friend—it’s a rebirth. You’ve walked through so much. You’ve cared for everyone else. It’s time to soften, to reconnect, to allow yourself to experience life again—not just survive it.

And you don’t need to wait for some big shift. You can start right here, today, with one tiny, glowing glimmer.

I hope you’ll begin noticing them. I hope you’ll write them down. And most of all, I hope you’ll let yourself feel them.

Because you are worthy of joy, safety, and beauty. Right now. Just as you are.

With love,

Jax

 

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