Resilience Unleashed: The Art of Retraining Triggers

Sabrena Morgan
2 min readFeb 6, 2024
Photo by Arnav Singhal on Unsplash

Certain triggers have the power to transport us back to darker times, holding us hostage in our own minds. Whether it’s the piercing wail of police sirens, a sudden loud noise, the sight of white paint and a bunk bed, or the sting of a condescending tone or phrase, these triggers unleash a flood of emotions — anger, fear, and a daunting choice: fight or flight?

The Starting Block Analogy:

Picture the starting block at a swimming competition. For many, the starting gun is a trigger, yet for a trained swimmer, it’s not a descent into darkness. It’s the eagerly awaited shot that sets them free to race, compete, and give their all. In this analogy, the starting shot becomes a source of liberation, turning pain into passion. They trained for this.

Retraining Triggers:

But what about our triggers? What have we conditioned ourselves to respond to? It’s time to embark on the journey of retraining these triggers, transforming negative stimuli into a source of liberation. Instead of succumbing to the darkness, let these triggers become the key to unlocking your freedom.

The Fight or Flight Dilemma:

In the face of triggers, the age-old question lingers: fight or flight? If you choose to fight, remember that what we resist persists. And if you choose to run, are you fleeing from the trigger or running towards something better? The answer lies in the resilience to confront and transform, not evade.

Freedom through Retraining:

Like the poised swimmer on the starting block, we too can train ourselves to respond differently to triggers. However, the path to freedom demands work, healing, and mindfulness. Retraining triggers is not a casual endeavor but a deliberate process of turning vulnerability into strength.

The Art of Resilience:

Resilience is the ability to take a flaw or chink in your armor and turn it into a superpower. Retraining triggers requires this resilience — the resilience to face the pain, heal the wounds, and be mindful of the transformation unfolding within. It is an art, a continuous practice of self-discovery and empowerment.

Don’t be a Prisoner of the Past:

Break free from the chains of the past. Refuse to let people, places, or things hold you hostage in your mind. Train yourself to view every trigger as an opportunity for liberation. The journey may be challenging, but the destination is worth it — a life characterized by freedom and determination.

Conclusion:

Retraining triggers is not for the faint of heart, but it’s a necessary pilgrimage toward personal growth and liberation. Embrace your triggers, transform your pain into passion, and let every trigger be a testament to your resilience. As you embark on this journey, remember: you’ve trained for this — for a life characterized by the unyielding pursuit of freedom and determination.

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Sabrena Morgan

I started blogging from a Federal Prison and now I have come down from my Ivory tower to face the world…