I bet, if you’re anything like me, you have a tiny, squeaky, voice that often tells you that you’ve done something wrong, something which maybe you shouldn’t have.
You make a decision then feel a bit wonky, off balance. You messed up, maybe not seriously, but you feel out of kilter – your world has suddenly tilted at a funny angle.
The good life you thought you were living suddenly looks a little jagged around the edges.
You didn’t trust your intuition and you know it.
There’s a feeling deep down which shakes your heart a little bit and tells you that you’ve done this bad thing and actually you need to make amends or go say sorry.
“You shouldn’t have done that” says your conscience.
And you know you have to fix it.
But maybe it’s too late. And you’ve created a wedge, or tainted a memory, kind of chipped the precious china.
Which is sad, because if you’d listened to the other voice. The tiny one, the not so sure inner voice that gave you a little nudge earlier and said, “This way,” then it wouldn’t have had to be like that.
But it wasn’t a loud enough voice, it was more of a flutter, I hear you say.
I know.
It’s okay, I’m not preaching, I’m already the converted.
I do it tons too, and I don’t listen to the feeling, instead too often just do what my head says.
Then it feels kind of icky because I know I’ve just forged ahead and not listened in the first place to my quiet, purposeful voice which knows better.
Sometime it doesn’t tell you to take the easy option at all.
You know the voice I’m talking about.
It’s the voice of intuition.
I know you know, because we all know this voice, and there’s no escaping it really.
But how do we get close to our intuition?
Because although this Jimminy Cricket creature can sit like your conscience squeaking on your shoulder to tell you when you’ve done wrong, it can equally try to tell you when you’ve done something, or are about to do something, right.
Don’t lose sleep over it.
If you have a decision to make … sit you down. Have a nice cup of tea. Be still. It’s time for some soul searching. Here’s what you need to do in order to trust your intuition wisely.
The trick is to listen to that voice and ask it some questions.
Okay here goes.
- Why should I do this?
- What would your 95 year old self tell you?
- Will this decision be of benefit?
- What am I doing it for?
- Do I just have to just get over myself and do this thing?
- Will it impact my future?
- Will it impact my relationships?
- Will it hurt anyone?
- Is it worth it?
You’ll find your intuition comes to the party to play. It comes with a small tugging feeling. It’s all the things you know, all the experiences you’ve had, all the stuff you’ve thought and everything you’ve ever learnt.
Should I trust my intuition?
I’ve had to listen to my inner voice quite recently, when my head has been telling me otherwise, and my mood has followed suit. I’ve had to sit tight and listen quietly.
For my intuition gave me a quick shake, and I’ve chosen the more difficult route because when the planning is over, when the ‘what its’ are done with, the rewards are amazing.
I’m currently the peloton manager, coach, keeper of the peace, back up driver, maker of sandwiches and carrier of smelly cycling gear as my husband and a mate cycle 1000km around South West Australia, in mid winter, in aid of charity. Did I want to do it? At the risk of sounding churlish. Not really. Two weeks away from home. In winter. Back up driver, not holidaymaker. Did my intuition tell me otherwise? Absolutely.
And to tell you the truth, I’m loving every minute, I’m a better person for it, and I’m making so many beautiful new friends along the way while helping support my hubby and Tony, and help raise money for Solaris Cancer Care and Lift the Lid on Mental Illness, two non government funded organisations.
The feel good factor is incredible.
That Little Voice brought out the good in me and the universe responded in kind, in so many ways.
Update: We’ve raised almost $13,000 so far. If anyone would care to donate, even the smallest amount it would be so gratefully received. This is the link to our Go Fund Me page: 1000km Bike Ride for Charity.
So next time you need to make a decision sit down, find the feeling, have a little think and ask yourself some questions. You know … basic stuff.
And see what your intuition tells you 🙂
Have you made any great decisions based on gut instinct lately? Have you had to trust your intuition and seen it’s paid off?
I agree, people should pay more attention to their intuition. I always listen to my gut, if I feel bad about something that my stomach aches, I just don’t go through with it. Congrats on your initiative, I love it, it’s so noble and proactive, the world needs more people like you.
Thanks so much Jane 🙂
Always listen to my gut. Not everyone else does though … I mean, my family don’t listen to my gut. They think I’m being too “worried” sometimes. But I can tell you that I’m around 95% right. Can be frustrating to watch. sigh. But, out of my control right? #teamlovinlife
Yes, I agree Leanne, and sometimes I don’t listen to that voice when I’m bamboozled by others, and then I’m proved right but it’s too late.
I make most of my decisions on the fly or by gut instinct. It’s the unexpected happies that work out best – the one’s where it’s like a party you didn’t want to go to but at which you had THE best time. That’s such a great cause you’re supporting too.
Thanks Jo. Yes sometimes it’s the things you don’t want to do but your instinct tells you you should that turn out the best. And yes thanks it is a great cause.
I should have listened to my gut more this past week because it let me know in its most dramatic way…hello IBS…that I was doing more than I needed to and with the wrong motives.
A quick review and chat with both my husband and my doctor after this did affect me and it was then that I realised I was trying to pack more into my life than I was ready for in my post cancer surgery treatments phase.
Lesson learned! Denyse x
Hi Denyse, I hope you are okay, and I’m glad you listened to your gut. Take care, and take it easy xx
I love this Jo as I came across the idea of ‘intuitive decision making’ a few years ago and realised they very much meant gut instinct and it’s something I really believe in. I know sometimes I weigh decisions and go with something completely opposite to what makes sense!
Hi Deb, I know exactly what you mean. I can take a long time making what I call transactional decisions and then go completely off track with my instinct.
ah yes, that ‘gut’ feeling. I’ve had that feeling very strongly in the past and a few times when I haven’t listened something dramatic, I mean rally dramatic, has happened. Unfortunately now I don’t know when to listen, or when it is my inner self not wanting to do something just because. Sort of like ‘jumping at shadows”. I’m glad you went along as bike ride support Jo. I really do believe in ‘gut’ feelings.
Hi Jill, Yes, the jumping at shadows can be real – I think to trust our gut instinct we need to ask some leading questions around the decision. Thanks for your support 🙂
I think I have excellent intuition and normally although I don’t always follow gut instinct I make the a decision based on this. I have found I’m pretty good at reading people and working out if they’re genuine or not. I had this creepy guy approach me on the beach about a month ago and I judged him on his appearance (silver chunky necklace and black Speedos) and my instincts were definitely right. He was trying to pick me up!! #TeamLovinLife
Hi Kathy, Lol – I’m glad your intuition protected you from getting picked! Stay safe 🙂
I’m a true believer that our instincts guide us the right way every time – if (as you say) we listen to it! I am in awe of your husband and friends who are cycling 1000 km’s in the cold and wet for charity. Hat off to them! And good on you too Jo for listening to your instincts and going along to help. Wonderful now that you’re enjoying it so much more than you had expected, and what a wonderful cause you are all supporting! #TeamLovinLife
Hi Min, thanks for your supportive words 🙂
It is amazing how our intuition can be so right!!
XOXO
Jodie
I agree. Sometimes I’m amazed at mine Jodie.