Estimated Reading Time 8 Minutes
Hey You! I’m Emily Romrell and welcome back, my friends, to The Vibrant Life Podcast! Have you ever been caught in the whirlwind of life, feeling constantly on edge, waiting for the next shoe to drop? I’ve been there and it’s no wonder in today’s world, right? But never fear! Today we’re fighting the negativity with some truly amazing insights. I’m talking about glimmers—those sparkling moments of clarity and inspiration that light up our lives like fireworks on a summer night. Unlike triggers, which send us spiraling into bad habits and fear, glimmers gently nudge us toward our true purpose, guiding us along the path of growth and fulfillment. So get excited because I guarantee you glimmers are waiting in your life to be found and mined just like little nuggets of gold.
My journey with Glimmers began long ago, fueled by a passion for writing and a quest to organize all of the creative chaos in my life and in my mind. As a child, I found solace in the rhythm of words, pouring my heart out onto paper in the form of both poetry and prose. Fast forward a few decades and those glimmers of creativity and order led me to create Po~Em’s—a collection of verses that speak to the soul. But my quest didn’t stop there. Oh no! As a perpetual seeker of productivity and purpose, I created The Vibrant Life Goal Planner—a journal designed to help me (and now you!) wrangle life’s chaos and carve out a path to success. And guess what? Both of these gems are available on Amazon right now, so don’t hesitate—grab your copies and let the magic begin!
Now, Peeps, it’s time for a heart-to-heart. The Vibrant Life Podcast isn’t your run-of-the-mill show where we chat about rainbows and butterflies (though don’t get me wrong, I love a good rainbow). No, my friends, this is a community—a vibrant tribe of seekers, dreamers, and doers—united in our quest to live our best lives. Here’s the deal: I want you to hit that subscribe button like it’s the last cookie in the jar, leave comments, and share this podcast with your favorite people faster than you can say “Abracadabra.” (I did a podcast with that magic title by the way) Because let’s face it, life’s too short for boring podcasts. Let’s sprinkle some glitter on this journey together and truly enjoy life!
Glimmers are like breadcrumbs leading us towards our true purpose. However, the stories of our lives are not fairytales, even if magic is all around us. Glimmers manifest in countless ways, from a conversation with a loved one to a moment of profound clarity when you simply try something new. As author Elizabeth Gilbert beautifully puts it, “Glimmers are the universe’s way of winking at us, reminding us that there’s more to life than meets the eye.” That’s from her book: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. It’s a fantastic read.
But here’s the truth: Glimmers are easy to miss if we’re not tuned in. That’s why it’s crucial to cultivate mindfulness. Take a cue from guru Thich Nhat Hanh and practice “deep listening” to fully immerse yourself in the present moment and uncover the hidden gems that surround you. In his book “The Miracle of Mindfulness,” Hanh emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in our daily lives, urging us to pay attention to the richness of each moment. He writes, “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” By practicing deep listening, we can silence the noise of our busy minds and truly connect with the world around us. Hanh also writes, “Listening to the sound of the rain, the sound of the wind, the sound of the birds, and the sound of the bell, you become true, you become real, and the present moment is your true home.” Let’s heed his wisdom and open our hearts to the glimmers that await us right here and now.
One powerful way to tune into your glimmers is through journaling. Set aside time each day to reflect on the moments that stirred something deep within you—a laugh shared with a friend, a breathtaking sunset, or a random act of kindness. By capturing these experiences on paper, you’ll gain valuable insight into what truly lights you up and sets your soul on fire.
To mine golden glimmers from our lives, we must focus on what we’re good at—what lights a fire inside and brings us joy. As author and psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi suggests in his book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, true mastery and fulfillment come from engaging in activities that align with our passions and strengths. You see, you can’t be truly good at something you don’t love doing. It’s about finding that sweet spot where our skills and interests intersect, regardless of whether we’re the best or not. So, ask yourself: What activities make you come alive? Where do you find yourself effortlessly losing track of time? These are the clues that lead us to our golden glimmers. What makes your heart sing? Whether it’s playing the guitar, baking delicious treats, or solving puzzles. Like stars in a constellation, our passions and talents twinkle brightly, guiding us through the vast expanse of our lives.
Moreover, it’s essential to regularly step outside our comfort zones and explore new horizons. As the saying goes, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” By embracing new experiences and seeking out challenges, such as learning a new language, trying new cuisines, or taking up a new hobby like painting or dancing, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities, uncovering hidden treasures that make us laugh with delight. So let’s also dare to venture into the unknown, for it is there that we often find precious gems of joy.
Motivational speaker Les Brown once said, “Surround yourself with people who are going to lift you higher.” This advice teaches that the individuals we surround ourselves with play a crucial role in shaping our personal development journey. These people are more than mere companions—they are glimmers in our lives, shining examples of positivity, resilience, and possibility.
Think about the mentors, friends, and fellow seekers who illuminate your path with their support and encouragement. They are glimmers: beacons of light guiding you through life’s challenges and inspiring you to reach for the stars. Whether it’s your mentor generously sharing their wisdom, your friends cheering you on from the sidelines, or your fellow seekers walking alongside you, these individuals uplift and inspire you to be your best self.
The saying “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with” is ascribed to motivational speaker Jim Rohn. The quote refers to the law of averages, which holds that the outcome of any circumstance is the average of all possible outcomes. The idea behind this theory is that the five people you spend the most time with will “shape who you are”. People may be the most powerful kind of glimmers.
But it’s also about giving back and being a source of light for others. We have the power to be glimmers in the lives of those around us, spreading positivity and inspiration wherever we go. As Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf beautifully articulated in his recent talk “A Higher Joy”. I want to quote a couple of big sections from his talk because it is just so good. You can find a link to the talk in the show notes or at churchofjesuschrist.org.
Jesus taught, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”23
Can it be that in our search for joy, the best way to find it is to bring joy to others?
Brothers and sisters, you know and I know this is true! Joy is like a barrel of flour or a jar of oil that will never run out.24 True joy multiplies when it is shared.
It doesn’t require something grand or complicated.
We can do simple things.
Like praying for someone with all our heart.
Giving a sincere compliment.
Helping someone feel welcome, respected, valued, and loved.
Sharing a favorite scripture and what it means to us.
Or even just by listening.
“When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God,”25 and God will repay your kindness generously.26 The joy you give to others will return to you in “good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.”
Just as we are uplifted by glimmers in the form of others, we are called to be glimmers for others, shining a light in their dark moments and guiding them toward happiness. By cultivating meaningful relationships we can create a ripple effect of positivity and inspiration that extends far beyond ourselves.
In his talk, Elder Uchtdorf spoke of a higher joy—a joy that transcends earthly pleasures and emanates from the light of the gospel. He reminded us that true happiness comes from living in alignment with God’s plan and seeking His presence in our lives. Just as Les Brown urges us to surround ourselves with people who lift us higher, Elder Uchtdorf encourages us to reach for greater heights by drawing near to God and following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
He said, “We all know people who say that they don’t need God to be happy, that they are happy enough without religion.
I acknowledge and respect these feelings. Our beloved Father in Heaven wants all His children to have as much happiness as possible, so He has filled this world with beautiful, wholesome pleasures and delights, “both to please the eye and … gladden the heart.”16 For me, flying brought great happiness. Others find it in music, in art, in hobbies, or in nature.
By inviting everyone and sharing the Savior’s good news of great joy, we do not discount any of these sources of joy. We’re simply saying that God has something more to give. A higher and more profound joy—a joy that transcends anything this world offers. It is a joy that endures heartbreak, penetrates sorrow, and diminishes loneliness.”
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gospel Glimmers come to us through the Holy Ghost. This truth is central to our spiritual understanding. As President Henry B. Eyring explained, “The Holy Ghost brings back memories of what God has taught us. And one of the ways God teaches us is by letting us feel the truth of things.” This sentiment shows us the role of the Holy Ghost as a divine guide, bringing enlightenment and understanding into our lives. This gentle whisper of the Spirit serves as a beacon of light, a glimmer, leading us toward truth and filling our hearts with the joy and peace that accompany divine revelation. Just as light softly illuminates a darkened room, the quiet whispers of the Holy Ghost testify of truth, strengthening our faith, and filling our souls with peace.
Glimmers lead us toward discovering purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Through mindfulness and embracing our passions, we uncover treasures that guide us towards our true calling. Surrounding ourselves with supportive individuals and being sources of light for others amplifies the joy we experience and fosters a connected community. As we align with divine guidance and live according to higher principles, we tap into profound and enduring happiness. In this pursuit, let us remain open-hearted, attuned to the whispers of The Holy Ghost, and committed to spreading light wherever we go, creating a life that is vibrant, meaningful, and filled with joy.
