Seeing Red? Staying Grounded in Gratitude When Life Triggers You
- Taylor Bennett
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The other morning—as if a snowball of regression hadn’t already been barreling downhill for the last month—life decided to hit me with a little extra spice. And by spice, I mean chaos. Because clearly, I needed a bonus round of “Can You Handle This?”
And just when I was tempted to let someone else’s bad attitude hijack my peace, I paused and thanked God. Yep. I literally stood there and thanked God for waking me up and for my job. And boom—just like that, I had today’s topic:
Staying Grounded in Gratitude When Life Triggers You
While I was trying to get ready to facilitate my morning group (with one shoe on and one eyebrow halfway drawn), I thought: "This right here is the topic."
Because let's be real—life be lifin’. So how do we stay grounded when everything feels like it’s spinning? Here’s what I shared in group (and what I’m sharing with you):
Let’s Talk Triggers
First of all, recognizing when you're triggered can be confusing—especially when your brain is in full-blown Michael Myers mode. We’re talking red vision, shallow breathing, imaginary arguments, and a whole lotta unholy thoughts.
So what’s a trigger, really?A trigger is anything that sets off a strong emotional reaction—anger, sadness, anxiety, you name it. It usually sneaks in when you’re already stressed. Someone cuts you off. Your mom throws shade. A coworker tries you. Suddenly, you're spiraling and contemplating things you know would get you fired or arrested.
That’s when unhealthy coping kicks in—spending, drinking, isolating, doom-scrolling, or getting emotionally messy. But this particular morning? Gratitude saved me. Just a deep breath, a pause, and a silent “Thank you, God.” That’s it. Game changer.
How Do We Keep Our Peace When Disrespected?
Listen. I’m still learning. There are moments when the “sanctified” me wants to scream, and the “saved but still healing” version of me wants to throw a shoe.
But seriously: sometimes, the cost of reacting isn't worth it. Messing up a good job, ruining a friendship, or waking up in regret because you let someone else control your narrative? No ma’am.
Here’s what helps:
Consequential thinking (aka “play the tape through”): What’s the outcome if I react?
Remind yourself: You’ve lost enough already. Don’t give these folks one more thing.
Gratitude Isn’t Just Being Happy—It’s Being Aware
The most grateful person I’ve ever met had absolutely nothing. And yet, his heart was full.
That’s what gratitude does—it doesn’t ignore pain. It repositions you. It shifts your focus from what’s wrong to what’s still right.
Sis, even if your world is crumbling, your man ghosted you again, and you're eating Dollar Tree ravioli—God still loves you. He sees you. He knows you. He values you. He’s not giving up on you, so why should you?
And while we’re at it:
You're breathing.
You have food (even if it’s scrambled eggs).
You have grown—show yourself compassion.
You're not where you were, even if you’re not where you want to be.
Gratitude Tools: Your Crisis Survival Kit
1. Say “Thank You” When Triggered: Instead of popping off, practice saying:
“Thank you, God, for this growth opportunity—even if I want to cuss somebody out.”
“Thank you for the chance to pause before reacting.”
“Thank you for that one peaceful moment I had this morning with my coffee.”
2. Journal or Record Voice Notes: Some days, writing is too much. So grab your phone and vent out a gratitude voice note:
“I’m mad, but I’m also grateful for my bed and this blanket.”
“I feel heavy, but I’m thankful I didn’t give up today.”
“I’m gonna be grateful for this 2-pound weight loss even if everything else is a mess.”
3. Grounding Statements: Train your brain with truths that ground you:
“This moment is tough, but I’m still blessed.”
“I may be broke, but I’m not broken.”
“Akon said it best:
‘Thank you for sunshine, thank you for rain, thank you for joy, thank you for pain.’”
—A whole bop AND a mantra.
4. Emergency Gratitude List: Have one ready for when you’re spiraling. Baby photos. A kind text. A meme that made you laugh. Because sis, when you're on edge, that visual reminder might just save a life—probably someone else's.
Closing Affirmation
"Today, I choose peace over panic. I thank God for progress, not perfection."
Let’s be clear: Gratitude isn’t a magic eraser for life’s messes—but it is a tool. A free one. A powerful one. Use it.
So tell me—what’s one coping skill that helps you stay grounded when emotions run high?
Drop it in the comments or journal it for yourself. And remember—God’s not done with you yet
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