The Gift of Triggers: Turning Shadows into Guides (Ep 37)

In this podcast episode, host Kelly Jackson redefines triggers as opportunities for radical growth rather than enemies to avoid. She explains that triggers are energetic signals highlighting past pain or unmet needs and encourages listeners to approach them with curiosity instead of shame. Kelly dives into the biology of triggers and how ancient survival mechanisms cause modern stress responses. Kelly highlights the importance of reflecting rather than reacting to triggers and provides concrete actions for integrating this practice into daily life. Additionally, she discusses the benefits of structured support systems and co-regulation in accelerating growth and self-awareness.

 

From the Episode:

• "  You might think triggers are your enemy, something to avoid or numb out or shove into the get over it drawer. But what if I told you triggers are actually your mind and body's most loyal guideposts?"
• " A trigger is a signal, not a punishment. When you feel tightness in your chest or your fist clench up, or you have this surge of adrenaline, it's not because you're weak, it is because your nervous system just picked up a pattern."

• "    ...every time you avoid, you are casting a vote that says, keep this wound in place."

•  "  Triggers really do show you where to direct your healing work. If there are certain situations that repeatedly provoke you, they are pointing exactly to where your next growth edge lies, because that recurring sting. Is not random."
• "  When you stop fighting the triggers and you start listening to them, you unlock a direct path to self-awareness and transformation, and those dark moments become your allies."
• " ... back then, in ancient times, a sudden noise meant run or fight true physical danger. Your body flooded with adrenaline to fuel escape. Then, it was truly a predator. Now, your brain can't tell the difference between a real tiger and a late notice for a zoom call."
• " Today your amygdala still reacts to an angry email or a missed deadline as if it is life or death."
• "   Knowing the science removes shame and adds empowerment. You are not overreacting. You are wired for protection. And with consistent practice, you can retrain that wiring to support flow, creativity, and sustainable success."
• " Ignoring triggers feeds the shadow. When you push a trigger down, when you pretend it didn't hurt, you are telling your nervous system that it's unsafe to feel, and that emotional charge then gets stored in your body, which leads to tension or chronic stress, and even illness."
• "  Self shaming is self-sabotage. Stop judging yourself and saying, I shouldn't be triggered by this."

   

Notes and Considerations:

• Click Here to explore Kelly's offerings, coaching containers, and opportunities to go deeper into this work together

 

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