Breaking Free from Triggers: Learning to Live Authentically
I can still remember the sting of rude comments—those sharp, cutting words that echoed in my mind long after the moment had passed. At first, they were just irritating, but as the night wore on, they became so much more. I’d lie awake, replaying the scene, ruminating on those words until they felt heavier than they were. I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t focus, and couldn’t stop wondering why those comments triggered me so deeply.
When Triggers Hold Us Hostage
The problem wasn’t just the rude remarks—it was what they represented. Every time someone’s words hit a nerve, it felt like they were questioning my worth, my choices, or my identity. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those comments weren’t just criticisms—they were reflections of societal expectations, values, or judgments I had unknowingly internalized.
And the hardest part? I allowed them to control me.
The Wake-Up Call
It wasn’t sustainable to live this way. Being at the mercy of others’ opinions made me feel like I was constantly in survival mode. The turning point came when I started asking myself some hard questions:
Why do these comments bother me so much?
Whose expectations am I trying to meet?
Am I living for myself, or am I letting others dictate my sense of worth?
These reflections were painful but necessary. They helped me see that I was giving away my power by letting external opinions define my internal peace.
The Shift: Living with Freedom
Freedom, for me, meant taking back control—of my reactions, my emotions, and my self-worth. Here’s how I started breaking free:
I Identified My Values:
I sat down and asked myself what truly mattered to me. Was I living in alignment with my values, or was I letting others’ opinions dictate my decisions? Once I clarified my priorities, I could filter out what didn’t align.
I Practiced Responding Instead of Reacting:
Every time a rude comment hit me, I paused. Instead of spiraling into rumination, I asked myself: Does this comment actually reflect my truth, or is it just their projection?
I Set Boundaries:
I started distancing myself from people whose words consistently triggered me. Living authentically sometimes means creating space from negativity.
I Reclaimed My Narrative:
Instead of letting rude comments define me, I reminded myself of my journey, my growth, and my purpose. I started living for myself, not for others’ approval.
The Freedom of Authenticity
Breaking free from the weight of triggering comments wasn’t an overnight process, but every step brought me closer to a life where I felt more aligned and less reactive. I began to sleep better, worry less, and wake up with more clarity about who I am and what I stand for.
Living authentically is about giving yourself permission to let go of what doesn’t serve you—whether that’s rude comments, societal expectations, or your own self-doubt.
If you’re struggling with triggers or find yourself ruminating on the opinions of others, ask yourself this:
Am I living for my values, or theirs?
What can I do today to reclaim my peace and live with freedom?
Living authentically is the most liberating gift you can give yourself. Let this be the year you stop giving others the power to define your worth.
💭 What’s one step you can take today to free yourself from triggers? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your journey.
