“A peaceful life is priceless.” – Mooji

Why the word “trigger” is keeping you stuck—and what to say instead

Let’s talk about the word triggered.

It’s everywhere. In wellness circles, therapy sessions, social media captions. But let’s be real: saying “I’m triggered” has become the grown-up version of a toddler tantrum—except instead of kicking and screaming, we check out, blame, and spiral into overwhelm.

Harsh? Maybe. True? Definitely.

Now, before you slam your laptop shut—hear me out. This post isn’t about dismissing trauma or denying pain. It’s about reclaiming your power.

Because what if that so-called trigger was actually an invitation? What if you could stop outsourcing your peace—and start meeting life’s little pokes with curiosity instead of collapse?

Why “Triggered” is the Word Keeping You Small

When something happens that sets off an old wound, we call it a trigger. But here’s the catch: when we label it that way, we subtly give our power away. We reinforce the belief that we’re at the mercy of our environment, our past, and everyone else's behavior.

But you’re not a helpless passenger.
You’re not broken.
You’re activated.

And that small shift in language changes everything.

Let’s Redefine What’s Really Going On

According to spiritual teacher Michael Singer, we carry all our life experiences in our energy field. Most of the time, they sit quietly in the background. But the moments we resist—the times we “close”—they get stuck. Those stuck points? That’s what’s getting poked.

When someone cuts you off in traffic, when your ex texts, when your co-worker’s voice grates your soul—it’s not about them. It’s about the energy that’s still swirling in you.

Calling it a “trigger” keeps the focus out there. But calling it an activation? That brings it in here, where you can actually do something about it.

Are you a wellness pro who secretly struggles to manage your own stress, feeling overwhelmed and stuck in a loop of chronic tension? 

Join my mind-body stress loop rewire community. Click here to join:

www.facebook.com/groups/stresslooprewire/

Alternatively, if you're ready to de-stress NOW, take 15 minutes for yourself with my FREE guided meditation. Click here to access:

https://jennifersack.com/meditate-with-me-2/

CLICK BELOW TO WATCH THE EPISODE:

3 Steps to Take Your Power Back

1. Own Your Activation

Let’s be blunt: it’s not your partner’s job, your boss’s job, or your barista’s job to manage your emotional world. That’s on you.

Taking ownership doesn’t mean you suppress or ignore emotions. It means you respond, not react.

It means you pause.
It means you breathe.
It means you ask: What in me is asking to be seen right now?

2. Shift from Reaction to Reflection

Try this: next time something irritates the hell out of you, don’t label it as “bad.” Instead, label it as information. A signal. A signpost.

💭 “This feeling of ______ is a signal that ______.”

Maybe it’s pointing to unhealed grief. Maybe it’s an outdated belief. Maybe it’s a need for stronger boundaries or deeper rest.

Whatever it is, you get to choose what to do with it. That’s the whole game.

3. Find the Middle

Michael Singer talks about the pendulum swing. When we get pulled too far into preference—what we like, what we hate—we waste energy. We try to micromanage the entire universe so our “stuff” doesn’t get touched.
(Spoiler: it doesn’t work.)

The alternative? Seek the middle. The neutral space. The Tao.
It’s not a place of apathy—it’s a place of peace.
Peace that doesn’t rely on everything going your way.
Peace that comes from presence.

“You must reach a point where your whole interest lies in the balance and not in any personal preference for how things should be.” – Michael Singer, The Untethered Soul

Why This Matters

You’re not here to live a life where your nervous system is constantly hijacked by old stories. You’re here to become the kind of leader who can hold space—first for yourself, then for others.

That doesn’t happen by avoiding your triggers. It happens by meeting your activations with courage, awareness, and grace.

You don’t need to walk around fragile and fearful, hoping no one pokes your stuff. You get to be so grounded, so aware of your inner world, that when the poke comes… you choose how to move. That’s power. That’s freedom.

And yes, it takes practice.
Yes, it’s messy sometimes.
But yes—it’s absolutely worth it.

Conclusion

The next time you feel “triggered,” try this:
Pause.
Breathe.
Say, “I’m activated. Something in me is asking for my attention.”

That shift alone is enough to change your day—and maybe your whole life.

Are you ready to align with your genuine self and reduce the chronic tension hiding behind your wellness facade? Join my mind-body stress loop rewire community. www.facebook.com/groups/stresslooprewire/

Or, if immediate relief is what you need, set aside 15 minutes today for my FREE guided meditation.

https://jennifersack.com/meditate-with-me-2/

Remember, your peace is priceless—invest in it wisely.

Keywords: stress relief, wellness, trigger vs activation, emotional triggers, activated not triggered, take back your power, how to stop being triggered, nervous system healing, energy field healing, Michael Singer teachings, mindfulness for overwhelm, trauma triggers, yoga teacher for emotions, stress response healing, rewiring stress loop, spiritual self-regulation, healing emotional wounds, guided meditation release