When Triggered: Remember to Give Yourself Grace

When Triggered: Remember to Give Yourself Grace

Curious about how others handle those moments when emotions explode out of nowhere? This conversation with Randy and Cathy Boyd brings a down‑to‑earth look at being triggered and why it doesn’t mean you’re broken or failing in recovery, relationships, or faith. Randy, once known in AA as “the happy alcoholic”, and Cathy share openly about their own triggers, arguments, and repair attempts, making this episode especially relatable for anyone healing from addiction, abuse, or long‑standing emotional patterns.

They keep it real: “Healing is not proven by never being triggered. Healing is often revealed in what we do after we are triggered.” The heart of the episode is a simple, practical tool based on the word GRACE: - G – Ground yourself: breathing, feeling your feet on the floor, and reminding yourself, “I am safe right now.” - R – Recognise the trigger: naming what set you off, like tone, silence, feeling ignored or criticised.

- A – Assess and adjust: asking, “What story am I telling myself?” and “Is this about the present, the past, or both?” - C – Choose your response: shifting from knee‑jerk reaction to intentional words such as, “I’m feeling defensive, but I want to listen.” - E – Exit and engage elsewhere: stepping away respectfully to calm down, then coming back to repair.

They also talk about faith as a source of comfort rather than shame, quoting, “My grace is sufficient for you,” and stressing that God is not shocked or disgusted by anyone’s struggle. Whether you’re sober, supporting someone who is, or just tired of the same arguments on repeat, you’ll hear practical language you can actually use the next time your “check engine” light starts flashing emotionally.

If you thought being triggered meant you were failing, could it instead be your cue to offer yourself grace?