Trigger

It is official, springtime has started with Tulips everywhere! Even though it seems like the summer season, I enjoy each moment and take sunbathe whenever it is possible. How pleasant it is, something that I have learned to appreciate since I moved to Canada. After a long winter, my body and mind are eager for sunlight and warm weather, producing hormones, good sensations, and well-being. It feels so good, doesn’t it?

Along with the spring season, these days, nurseries and groceries start selling summer products and a variety of plants, herbs, and garden stuff. It is a playground for garden lovers! A busy time!

Last week I went to Costco to buy beef for the barbecue and by the way, I almost brought home an apple tree! 🙂 It was a really hot day and people seemed to be agitated, honking their cars in the parking lot and being impatient with each other. Then, something came to my mind while I was walking to the car. I thought: “How Christmas is stressful anywhere, hey?” And after some seconds, I realized that my brain was playing tricks on me. 

Christmas in May? Well, my Christmas memories have crickets chirping, warm weather, and a variety of fruits like mango, fig, cashew, etc. So, the sensation of the weather plus the busy environment triggered some of my memories, confusing me about the present moment. 

Usually, associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the trigger is anything that can initiate a strong emotional reaction of fear, shock, anger, or worry in someone, always associated with what happened in the past, with a strong sensory connection. 

What if we use this kind of trigger for something pleasant? Exploring sensory connections to bring joy and treat the homesick. Sometimes a familiar smell can bring your hometown to Canada.

When I travel to Brazil, I always bring “Sonho de Valsa” a Brazilian chocolate brand. A sweet way to adapt to Canada. 🇧🇷❤️🇨🇦