The “Glimmers” That Keep You Happy and Calm, Based On Your Enneagram

If you’re struggling to get through a difficult day and coffee isn't helping to boost your mood, reach for glimmers. 

Wait, what are glimmers? 

Coined by licensed clinical social worker Deb Dana, the word ‘glimmers’ describes those micro-moments of happiness that help you feel safe, or calm, or joyful, even if it is just for a fleeting moment. Examples include seeing a beautiful sunset or receiving a compliment or hug from someone you love. 

Best of all, you don’t have to create glimmers or wait for them to happen to you. Glimmers are everywhere! You just have to notice them and embrace them—which really just means allowing yourself to appreciate the glimmer—to reap the benefits.

So, how do glimmers relate to the Enneagram? Just as the Enneagram can predict your fears, motivations and financial habits, it can also guide you towards finding the glimmers that will bring you the most happiness. Let's discover the ones you should be looking for based on your Enneagram type.

Type One: A Sparkly Clean Desk 

As a One, you are motivated by your high standards and you seek perfection in everything you do. You also have the tendency to expect perfection from others, and love it when they live up to the high bar you’ve set for them in your head. So, if you’re running through your busy day and notice that your co-worker has an immaculate workspace or your spouse has left the kitchen spotless after cooking dinner, it will give you an instant burst of peace. You need clean, organized surroundings on the outside to make you feel tidy and calm on the inside. 

Type Two: Getting Smiled at by a Stranger

As a Two, you’re always ready to lend an ear to someone or do them a favor, and sometimes you throw your needs on the backburner in the process. When you’re moving through your day and someone gives you a beautiful smile for no reason, like the barista serving you your morning coffee or a fellow commuter on the train, it’s an instant mood boost and adds warmth to your day. It reminds you that happiness and love is all around you, which is so easy to forget in today’s cut-throat world. Bliss! 

Type Three: Seeing a Rainbow During Your Hike 

Threes are always on the move, rushing to achieve goals and leave their mark on the world. Even your rest and reset button is likely to be active, such as going on a run or a hike. For you, glimmers are the moments of nature that you can’t rush, because they’re just there to be appreciated. Seeing a rainbow or a stunning view reminds you that life isn't just about the constant hustle and grind. These moments help you to stop and tune into simple pleasures that don’t cost a thing. 

Type Four: Listening to a New Piece of Music

Fours appreciate art and creativity more than most, and if it's new to you, it’s even better. The glimmers for Fours are in the little discoveries, like when a friend loads a song onto your playlist and it stirs something within you, or you find an Instagram artist worth following because they’re so unique. Stop and embrace it! Glimmers like this help you to appreciate the present moment instead of constantly chasing down the future, and also remind you of the joys of being alive and having emotions. 

Type Five: Stealing a Few Moments to Read

Fives love to keep their minds busy and they love information (we bet you’re a self-confessed sapiosexual in the dating game). So, the best glimmer in your day is if you find a few minutes in which you can lock the door, open a book and forget real life for a while. What you read is less important than the fact that you’re doing it. Zen mode activated! 

Type Six: Seeing a Familiar Face at a Party 

You love building connections with others, Type Six, but unless you have a strong Seven wing, it's not as easy as marching up to the nearest stranger and striking up a conversation. You’re the Enneagram type with the most attachment to your comfort zone, and you need to feel secure before you can start to relax and open up. That’s why spotting a friend in an unfamiliar environment, especially if it's someone who makes you feel at ease, is the ultimate glimmer that will instantly make you feel calm and happy. 

Type Seven: Spontaneous Laughter 

You’re busy working on a stressful project when your coworker makes a funny comment that sets the entire workplace into belly laughter. This is food for your soul, Type Seven! You are energized by spontaneity and having fun, so when glimmers of enjoyment come your way, no matter how small, you should embrace them fully. Is there anything better than a whole-team laugh to break up a busy day? 

Type Eight: Getting Kudos From Your Personal Trainer 

Eights experience a huge burst of confidence when they complete something that’s super-challenging to them. While that will look different from person to person, it's likely that personal achievements will trigger that sense of pride far more than work-related ones that you do out of necessity. For example, when you push yourself to complete an intense workout and someone, like your personal trainer, notices and praises you for it—instant mood boost! 

Type Nine: Someone Gives You Their Full Attention

Everyone is so focused on themselves these days that it’s rare for people to give you their full attention without checking their phone or getting distracted. This is why you, Nine, will light up when someone gives you all of their attention. You’re so used to being the resident peacemaker and neglecting your own voice for the sake of others that when someone shows genuine interest in what you have to say, it’s like a warm hug for your heart. 

Final Words

Glimmers are those little moments that boost our happiness and pull us out of our stressful thoughts by reminding us of the beauty that’s around us. While certain glimmers might appeal to you more than others based on your Enneagram type, don’t be limited by them. It’s always good to stay open to your surroundings so you don’t miss out on any moment to feel inspired!