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

Call to Action:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit from it too. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review so we can keep building this community.

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

Is shadow work scary? Is it only for people with trauma? Do you need to fix yourself to be whole? In this episode, Mark busts some of the biggest myths about shadow work and gives practical tips on how to start exploring your shadow without fear. If you’ve been curious but hesitant about shadow work, this episode is for you. Get ready to shift your perspective.

Key Takeaways:

1. Shadow work isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about accepting yourself.

2. You don’t need to have experienced major trauma to benefit from shadow work.

3. Shadow work helps you reclaim hidden parts of yourself and integrate them into your life.

Practical Tips:

1. Start noticing your triggers. When something annoys you, pause and ask: Is this about them, or is it about me?

2. Journal about your reactions at the end of each day. Awareness is the first step to change.

3. Be kind to yourself. Shadow work isn’t about judgment—it’s about curiosity and compassion.

Reflection Prompt:
This week, notice one thing that triggers you. Instead of reacting, pause and ask yourself: What’s underneath this? What is this trying to teach me?

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

Call to Action:
Found this episode helpful? Share it with someone who might benefit. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review so we can keep building this space together.

shadow work, self-discovery, mental health, personal growth, emotional healing, myths about shadow work, acceptance, triggers, journaling, self-awareness

In this episode, Mark gets personal and shares a pivotal moment in his shadow journey—the day he realized he was the common denominator in his own misery. From chaotic restaurant shifts to life-changing self-awareness, Mark recounts how taking ownership of his situation shifted everything. This episode is for anyone tired of blaming others and ready to take control of their life.

Key Takeaways:

1. You choose to be in your current situation—taking ownership shifts everything.

2. Blaming others keeps you stuck—self-awareness sets you free.

3. Small experiments in self-awareness can lead to big shifts.

Reflection Prompt:
This week, when something or someone annoys you, pause and ask yourself: Why does this bother me? What am I feeling? What might this situation be trying to teach me?

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 ghtbrations.launchware.ai/lightbrations/social-page/rted

Call to Action:
If this episode hit home, share it with someone who might need to hear it. Make sure to subscribe and leave a review so we can keep building this space together.

shadow work, personal growth, self-reflection, emotional healing, accountability, workplace dynamics, positive attitude, self-improvement, personal responsibility, emotional intelligence