I recently came across the word glimmers, used to describe the small, everyday moments that quietly bring us joy. Not the big, headline-making events - but the tiny flickers of light that soften a day and make life feel a little gentler.

Then, in a conversation with a beautiful friend, she said something that really stayed with me:
“We need many glimmers.”

And she was right.

What Are Glimmers?

Glimmers are the opposite of stress triggers. They’re the moments that ground us, calm us, and gently remind us that we’re okay. They don’t demand attention - they simply show up if we’re willing to notice them.

A warm cup of hot chocolate cradled in your hands.
The ocean catching the light just before sunset.
A smile from a stranger.
Bare feet on cool tiles or warm sand.

Small things. Powerful feelings.

Why Glimmers Matter

Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught in the hustle - deadlines, to-do lists, noise, and screens. Glimmers slow us down. They invite us back into the present moment and remind us that joy doesn’t always come in big waves. Sometimes it arrives as a quiet ripple.

When we collect glimmers, we create moments of calm and gratitude throughout our day. And the more we notice them, the more they seem to appear.

Finding Glimmers in Coastal Living

Living (or dreaming) with a coastal mindset makes glimmers easier to spot. The coast naturally encourages us to slow down, breathe deeper, and tune into our senses:

• Sunlight dancing on water

• Salt air filling your lungs

• The rhythm of waves rolling in and out

• A peaceful walk along the shoreline

These moments don’t fix everything - but they soften the edges.

A Gentle Invitation

I’m making it a goal to seek out more glimmers - to pause, notice, and appreciate the small joys scattered through each day.

Maybe for you, it’s a quiet morning coffee.
A favourite song on the drive home.
A sunset that stops you in your tracks.

Whatever your glimmers look like, may you find many of them - today and always.

Because often, it’s these little sparks of happiness that make life feel rich, meaningful, and beautifully lived.

* If you’re craving more calm, coastal inspiration, explore The Coastal Edit — a collection of travel stories, seaside moments, and gentle reminders to slow down and live well, wherever you are.