What to Do About Emotional Triggers

Cindy’s world felt like it was crumbling. First, she lost her father—a man she deeply admired. The grief was heavy, but before she could catch her breath, life threw another punch. A trusted friend betrayed her, and a client she had invested so much in parted ways with her.

The sting of these experiences cut deep. Every time she saw that friend, her chest tightened, her hands grew clammy, and her anger rose inside like an uncontrollable wave. It was too much to bear. So Cindy did what she thought was best—she withdrew. She avoided people, conversations, and any reminder of her pain.

But avoidance didn’t bring peace. Instead, Cindy’s world felt like it was crumbling. First, she lost her father—a man she deeply admired. The grief was heavy, but before she could catch her breath, life threw another punch. A trusted friend betrayed her, and a client she had invested so much in parted ways with her.

The sting of these experiences cut deep. Every time she saw that friend, her chest tightened, her hands grew clammy, and her anger rose inside like an uncontrollable wave. It was too much to bear. So Cindy did what she thought was best—she withdrew. She avoided people, conversations, and any reminder of her pain.

But avoidance didn’t bring peace. Instead, it felt like the emotions lingered in the shadows, waiting to ambush her at the smallest provocation. One day, in the stillness of her morning devotion, Cindy began to reflect.

“What if these feelings aren’t my enemy?” she wondered.

It dawned on her that emotional triggers, while painful, are like mirrors. They reflect unresolved wounds and unmet needs, offering a chance to learn and heal. With this realization, Cindy decided to stop running from her emotions and instead face them head-on.

She started by asking herself tough but necessary questions:

• Why does this betrayal hurt so deeply?

• What does it reveal about my values, boundaries, or expectations?

• How can I respond in ways that reflect growth instead of bitterness?

The answers didn’t come easily, but as she prayed, journaled, and sought clarity, Cindy began to see her triggers differently. She wasn’t broken; she was being refined.

Over time, Cindy discovered a few strategies that helped her transform her pain:

1. Pause Before Reacting: Triggers often demand immediate action, but Cindy learned to step back, breathe, and give herself time to process.

2. Dig into the Roots: Instead of focusing on the surface-level pain, she sought to understand the deeper wounds driving her reactions.

3. Rely on Faith: Cindy leaned into scripture, finding comfort in verses like “Cast your burdens on the Lord” (Psalm 55:22). She realized she didn’t have to carry the pain alone.

4. Choose Growth Over Resentment: She reminded herself that every trigger could either make her bitter or stronger—and she chose strength.

Today, Cindy still encounters moments that stir up old emotions, but they no longer have power over her. Instead, she sees them as reminders of how far she’s come—and how much further she can go.

What about you? Have you faced emotional triggers like Cindy? What has helped you navigate them? Let’s talk in the comments—you never know who might find strength in your story.

NB: Did you enjoy this reflection story? Then, you would enjoy reading Flawed Shadows—The Story of a Life Before Purpose Discovery (Book 1 in Cindy's Memoir Trilogy Series). This fictional memoir e-novel is a very suitable Christmas gift for any teen or young lady you know.

Preorder your copy here. The E-novel will launch online by 12 PM (WAT) prompt, on the 25th of December, 2024.

PS: Blessing Enofe, a Creative Social Solopreneur™, wrote this article.

Blessing leads the Luvlybees' Digital Projects and Services (LDPS). LDPS is a fully remote social business venture that offers various social impact-oriented digital Projects & Services with the overall vision of recognizing, developing and maximising the potential of individuals and groups in a sustainable way, to the glory of God.

Mission: Providing Diverse Specialized and Creative Virtual Assistance Services & other social impact-oriented Digital Projects, for increased productivity!

Are you a young lady, a teen, or someone who has loved ones who are young ladies or teens? Then, check out our impact-driven books currently on sale for a limited time. Visit our books website now, so that you don't miss out on the ongoing massive discounts. Prices go up soon!

Watch out for the next bi-weekly tips and inspired insights. Get the knowledge you need to grow and become the best version of yourself! One love!, it felt like the emotions lingered in the shadows, waiting to ambush her at the smallest provocation. One day, in the stillness of her morning devotion, Cindy began to reflect.

“What if these feelings aren’t my enemy?” she wondered.

It dawned on her that emotional triggers, while painful, are like mirrors. They reflect unresolved wounds and unmet needs, offering a chance to learn and heal. With this realization, Cindy decided to stop running from her emotions and instead face them head-on.

She started by asking herself tough but necessary questions:

• Why does this betrayal hurt so deeply?

• What does it reveal about my values, boundaries, or expectations?

• How can I respond in ways that reflect growth instead of bitterness?

The answers didn’t come easily, but as she prayed, journaled, and sought clarity, Cindy began to see her triggers differently. She wasn’t broken; she was being refined.

Over time, Cindy discovered a few strategies that helped her transform her pain:

1. Pause Before Reacting: Triggers often demand immediate action, but Cindy learned to step back, breathe, and give herself time to process.

2. Dig into the Roots: Instead of focusing on the surface-level pain, she sought to understand the deeper wounds driving her reactions.

3. Rely on Faith: Cindy leaned into scripture, finding comfort in verses like “Cast your burdens on the Lord” (Psalm 55:22). She realized she didn’t have to carry the pain alone.

4. Choose Growth Over Resentment: She reminded herself that every trigger could either make her bitter or stronger—and she chose strength.

Today, Cindy still encounters moments that stir up old emotions, but they no longer have power over her. Instead, she sees them as reminders of how far she’s come—and how much further she can go.

What about you? Have you faced emotional triggers like Cindy? What has helped you navigate them? Let’s talk in the comments—you never know who might find strength in your story.

NB: Did you enjoy this reflection story? Then you would enjoy reading Flawed Shadows—The Story of a Life Before Purpose Discovery (Book 1 in Cindy's Memoir Trilogy Series). This fictional memoir e-novel is a very suitable Christmas gift for any teen or young lady you know.

Preorder your copy here. The E-novel will launch online by 12 PM (WAT) prompt, on the 25th of December, 2024.

PS: Blessing Enofe, a Creative Social Solopreneur™, wrote this article.

Blessing leads the Luvlybees' Digital Projects and Services (LDPS). LDPS is a fully remote social business venture that offers various social impact-oriented digital Projects & Services with the overall vision of recognizing, developing and maximising the potential of individuals and groups in a sustainable way, to the glory of God.

Mission: Providing Diverse Specialized and Creative Virtual Assistance Services & other social impact-oriented Digital Projects, for increased productivity!

Are you a young lady, a teen, or someone who has loved ones who are young ladies or teens? Then, check out our impact-driven books currently on sale for a limited time. Visit our books website now, so that you don't miss out on the ongoing massive discounts. Prices go up soon!

Watch out for the next bi-weekly tips and inspired insights. Get the knowledge you need to grow and become the best version of yourself! One love!