What up, what up, what up? Welcome back to Sundays in the Shadows! In this episode, we’re diving deep into a topic we all face but rarely understand—triggers. Those pesky moments when something or someone sets you off and you’re suddenly ready to lose it. But here’s the thing: triggers aren’t just random annoyances—they’re powerful teachers. I’ll break down what triggers really are, why they matter, and how you can use them as tools for personal growth instead of letting them control your life. Plus, I share a wild story from my childhood that shaped how I deal with unfair situations, and I give you practical tips (with a dose of humor) to help you navigate your own triggers. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even heal a little.

Show Notes:

[00:40] Intro: Welcome to Sundays in the Shadows and today’s topic—triggers. Why they’re more than just annoying moments and how they can teach us.

[01:11] Defining triggers: What they are, why they happen, and how they point to unresolved emotions.

[02:17] Personal story: Mark shares a pivotal childhood memory about being forced into an unfair boxing match and how it shaped his reactions in life.

[04:30] Lessons learned: How understanding his triggers helped Mark communicate better and create healthier environments.

[06:00] Using humor to manage triggers: Mark’s story of defusing tension at work by shouting “dinosaur fight!” and how humor can shift energy.

[08:00] Practical steps for working with triggers:

Pause and notice your reaction.

Acknowledge the emotion without judgment.

Explore the source—ask yourself if it’s about the present or something deeper.

Use humor to lighten the mood and reset.

[11:30] Recap and reflection prompt: What’s one trigger you experience regularly, and what might it be pointing to within you?

Key Takeaways:

Triggers are emotional reactions that often stem from unresolved parts of ourselves, especially childhood experiences.

They serve as powerful teachers, offering opportunities for growth and self-awareness.

Managing triggers involves pausing, acknowledging emotions, exploring their source, and using humor when appropriate.

Humor can be a game changer in diffusing tense situations and processing heavy emotions.

Start small: Notice your triggers this week, reflect on them, and see what they’re trying to teach you.

Resources & Links:

Follow Mark Sanchez on Instagram for free content and updates:⁠https://www.instagram.com/mark_my_magnificence/⁠

Join the Sundays in the Shadows community: [Coming Soon]

Book a call with Mark ⁠lightbrations.launchware.ai/lightbrations/social-page/⁠⁠rted

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Outro:
And until next Sunday, laugh when it’s ridiculous, cry when it’s real, and heal because you’re worth it. And remember, nobody’s coming to save you. It’s up to you to learn how to fish yourself out of the fuckery. Love ya.

triggers, personal growth, emotional reactions, self-awareness, humor, childhood experiences, emotional intelligence, communication, mental health, coping strategies