PVLF 2025

Interview with Cailin Hargreaves, Author of Glimmers: Your Daily Journal For Positive Reflection

Read our interview with Cailin Hargreaves, author of Glimmers, a daily journal for positive reflection, and explore the power of positivity and reflection practices.
on Dec 09, 2024

Interview with Cailin Hargreaves | Frontlist

Cailin is a writer and poet of North African descent living in London. At the age of 10 she developed an autoimmune disorder causing chronic pain and ulcers. Despite the turbulence and instability that came with it, she graduated with a degree in Politics and International Relations. She found a safe space in the poetry she wrote to lay down her anger, heartache, and fears without any feelings of judgment or shame. She started posting on Instagram, and has amassed over 100k+ followers over the years. Her account has grown into a community of which uplifts and empowers through beautiful expressions and illustrations, bringing catharsis to the reader.

Frontlist: The book encourages readers to recognize their own "glimmers." Can you elaborate on what this concept means to you and how it can help individuals reframe their perspective on life's challenges?

Cailin: A "glimmer" is a small moment of light in our daily lives—a fleeting but profound reminder of beauty, hope, and connection. For me, these moments have often appeared during my most challenging times, when the weight of life felt unbearable. A bird's song, the warmth of a smile, or the golden hue of sunlight filtering through a window—these are glimmers.

Recognizing glimmers allows us to shift our focus from what is overwhelming or heavy to what is gentle and uplifting. It's not about ignoring challenges but about finding balance—anchoring ourselves in the small joys that often go unnoticed. This reframing helps us build resilience and strengthens our ability to navigate adversity gracefully.

Frontlist: Glimmers encourages readers to find joy in life's simple pleasures. What do you think the impact is when we begin to notice and appreciate these small moments, especially in a world that often feels chaotic or overwhelming?

Cailin: When we begin to notice and appreciate life's small joys, we create space for gratitude and mindfulness, even in the midst of chaos. It's like planting seeds of calm in a stormy sea. These moments remind us that there is beauty to be found, even when the world feels heavy and overwhelming.

In a way, it's an act of rebellion against the fast pace and noise of modern life. By pausing to savor the scent of a flower, the sound of laughter, or the comfort of a favorite song, we ground ourselves in the present. This practice doesn't just enrich our lives; it also builds a foundation of strength and perspective that carries us through more difficult times.

Frontlist: Poetry often serves as a form of emotional expression and healing. How did writing poetry help you navigate your own struggles with chronic illness, anxiety, and trauma? What role does writing play in your personal healing journey?

Cailin: Writing poetry has been my lifeline—a way to pour out emotions I couldn't always articulate in conversation. It gave me a safe space to sit with my fears, process my pain, and find clarity. During my struggles with chronic illness and anxiety, poetry became a way to reclaim my voice when I felt silenced by my circumstances.

In my healing journey, writing has been both cathartic and transformative. It allows me to give shape to the intangible, to take something overwhelming and make it tangible and even beautiful. Through poetry, I've learned that pain can coexist with beauty and that there is power in sharing both.

Frontlist: The journal includes spaces for personal reflection. How do you envision readers engaging with these prompts? What do you hope they will discover about themselves or the world around them as they write in the journal?

Cailin: I envision readers approaching the prompts in Glimmers with openness and curiosity, using them as a gentle guide to explore their inner worlds. The prompts are not about "getting it right" but about allowing thoughts and feelings to flow freely. I hope they will see these pages as a safe space to uncover their truths and dreams.

Through this process, I want readers to rediscover their strength, their gratitude, and their ability to find joy even in the smallest things. Writing in the journal is an act of self-discovery, a way to connect with the world and themselves on a deeper level.

Frontlist: The themes of self-love, gratitude, and joy are deeply woven into the book. How do these practices influence your own life, especially in the face of adversity? Do you have a personal routine or method that helps you stay grounded in these values?

Cailin: Self-love, gratitude, and joy are the pillars of how I navigate life. In moments of adversity, they act as my compass. I've learned that practicing gratitude—even for the smallest things—can shift my perspective and lift my spirits.

My routine includes journaling in the morning, where I jot down things I'm grateful for, and taking a moment before bed to reflect on something that brought me joy during the day. These practices remind me of the beauty and kindness in life, even when it feels hard to see.

Frontlist: How did you first discover that writing could be a way to cope with your challenges? Was there a specific moment or realization when you understood the power of words to help you heal?

Cailin: The realization came during a particularly dark time when I felt overwhelmed by my struggles with health and anxiety. One day, I sat down and started writing—not for anyone else, but for myself. What began as a jumble of words became a mirror, reflecting truths I hadn't been able to face.

It was in those moments of honesty that I understood the power of writing to heal. Words gave me a voice when I felt voiceless, and they became a bridge between my pain and my hope.

Frontlist: By sharing your story and your journey with your audience, you've helped create a platform of empowerment. How do you think storytelling and community contribute to building resilience in others?

Cailin: Storytelling is a way to remind each other that we are not alone—that our struggles, while deeply personal, are also universal. When we share our stories, we create a space for empathy and connection where others can find strength in our experiences.

Community amplifies this resilience. It's in the collective sharing of pain, hope, and triumph that we learn we are stronger together. Through storytelling and connection, we build bridges of understanding and create a foundation for healing.

Frontlist: Finally, what do you hope readers will take away from Glimmers? If there's one thing you want them to remember as they close the journal, what would it be?

Cailin: I hope readers will take away the knowledge that even in life's darkest moments, there is light to be found. Glimmers is a reminder that small joys are worth celebrating, that gratitude can transform our perspective, and that healing is a journey—not a destination.

If there's one thing I want them to remember, it's this: you are capable of finding beauty and strength in even the simplest of moments. Life's glimmers are all around you; all you have to do is notice.