We all like to think we’re in control—rational, reasonable humans steering our lives like seasoned pilots. But then someone says the wrong thing at the wrong time… and suddenly, we’re spiraling into emotional turbulence with no memory of grabbing the yoke.

That’s a trigger. It flips a mental switch and boom—your brain stops consulting you and starts running an old program.

Take Harry in Kingsman. One moment, he’s a classy gentleman spy. The next, a sonic signal hits, and he’s turning a church into a WWE cage match. He wasn’t “deciding.” He was activated. While most of us don’t go full action movie, negative triggers can still launch us into fear, shame, or fury before we know what’s happening.

But not all triggers are saboteurs. Some are angels in disguise. A certain song can bring joy. A familiar face can calm nerves. A pre-game ritual might flip you into go-mode like a motivational switch. These positive triggers are gold—reliable boosts baked into your wiring.

The tricky part? Triggers can change sides. A once-happy memory can get hijacked by pain. But with enough awareness and effort, the reverse is also true—old hurts can lose their sting. The key is catching the trigger before it grabs the mic.

Now, if you are the accidental trigger for someone else, don’t be shocked when you get cast as the villain in their mental drama. But if you’ve built trust ahead of time—sown seeds of kindness and consistency—you might just get the benefit of the doubt. Grace comes easier when you’ve earned it in advance.

As for me? Guilt and shame are my personal supervillains. One little failure and they rush in like they’ve been waiting backstage. But I’m learning not to let them direct the show. I still have to show up, fumble through, and keep engaging with the world—even if I get metaphorically kicked in the teeth now and then.

Growth doesn’t mean never being triggered. It means getting quicker at noticing it, owning it, and rerouting before damage is done.

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
– Romans 12:2 (CSB)

So here’s to rewiring the system—one awkward conversation, one deep breath, one small win at a time.