I love how humans have created the notion of “bad words.”

I could talk for days about the categorization of items into the buckets of “good” and “bad” or the concept of “labeling,” but that’s a digression for another time.

Back to “bad” words. Like the word “trigger”. The rising focus on mental health highlighted less popular words for popular culture to play with. I love a funny quip or “Meme PSA” as much as the next person. But to get so entrenched in the trend that you forget the word’s definition is an active perpetuation of shallow thinking.

Case in point: the word “trigger” is becoming synonymous with the philosophy of trauma.

I was at home doing some chores one night. I’d decided that I needed to go into a room for an item, but in true Ashley fashion, I became distracted by something else in the vicinity that I could also do. As I began to complete it, something in me said, “Stop.” My mind then said, “leave that alone. It’s an activity that could trigger a nightly routine.”

I remember laughing audibly at that moment, immediately recognizing that I’d used the word “trigger” and wasn’t referencing an adverse emotional reaction.

Popular culture is the ultimate catalyst. While its influence is undeniable, words also carry a specific power. IMO, a “trigger” is a lever used to release a bullet. A “trigger” is a signal I leave myself to prioritize a nightly self-care routine. A “trigger,” much like everything else in my life, is what I perceive it to be. If I can adopt a thing because a trend says I should, I can change so much more in and around my life. In my life, there should be no more significant trend than me. I hope the same is true for you.

Until next time.