Summary

The author reflects on personal experiences of ignoring intuition and the consequences of not listening to their inner voice, leading to life upheavals and the eventual realization of the importance of intuition in guiding life decisions.

Abstract

The article narrates the author's journey of learning to listen to their intuition after facing a series of personal crises. Initially, the author describes a pattern of ignoring warning signs until a catastrophic event occurs, such as the loss of possessions in a fire. This pattern is mirrored in an earlier health crisis a decade prior, which the author also attributes to not heeding their inner guidance. The message to pay attention to intuition becomes clearer as the author recounts the breakdown of personal relationships and a toxic work environment. In 2021, the author commits to a single resolution: to actively listen to their intuition, which involves slowing down, taking breaks, and not dismissing subtle feelings. The author emphasizes that intuition is a quiet voice that can easily be overlooked but is a reliable guide for making decisions and avoiding trouble. The author expresses optimism for the future, having started work that feels right despite initial doubts, and acknowledges the influence of various individuals who have inspired their writing and personal growth.

Opinions

The author believes that ignoring intuition can lead to negative consequences in life, including health issues and personal crises.
They suggest that life's circumstances can force change upon individuals if they do not listen to their inner voice.
The author posits that intuition is a powerful tool for decision-making and can lead to more meaningful work and deeper connections with others.
They emphasize the importance of slowing down and taking time to listen to one's inner guide, as it is subtle and can be easily drowned out by the noise of daily life.
The author expresses gratitude towards mentors and editors who have supported their journey of self-discovery and writing.
They imply that the path to personal growth is not always clear but can be navigated through intuition and self-reflection.

Listening To That Quiet Voice That Knows Everything

In response to Coffee Challenge: Why I want to be a better me in 2022

I spent much of my life falling from one thing into the next. I let circumstances push me forward and ignored the danger signals until everything came crashing down. The problems presented themselves slowly and then ramped up little by little into a complete implosion.

As 2019 ended, and 2020 began, things started breaking. Little things went wrong, then bigger things.

First, my computer crashed, then my stove quit, then my arm broke, followed by a lot of other possessions that fell apart. Finally, almost everything in my apartment was destroyed by a neighbor’s fire.

If you wait for circumstances to push you into decisions, your circumstances will either nudge you or thrust you headlong into a path that you didn’t plan.

There was a message in all that breakage, but I’d have to wait for 2021 to find out what it was.

I’ll get to 2021 shortly. But first, something similar happened ten years before that. I should have learned then to pay better attention.

In 2011 it was my health. Instead of occasional migraines, I started getting them every day. It got so bad that my medication stopped working. I also developed stomach pain that landed me in the hospital for a couple of days.

Nothing specific or diagnosable was wrong but everything was wrong. Retreating to bed rest was the only way I could get a break.

I finally woke up and made a move, leaving a long-term relationship that was literally making me sick. I knew I had to make a change but it was easier to stay put.

I ignored that voice for so long that it had to break through by screaming at me physically to stop doing what I was doing.

The message in 2020 when things started breaking was similar. I felt stuck in a job and a work environment that was breaking me. When I was finally thrust out of it, I spent 2021 finding a new way forward. Once I moved on I felt better.

I have always been a studier and an analyzer. When I need answers I look to books and articles. I analyze the data. But the way forward isn’t a predefined path you can look up in a book. I have finally learned to look for guidance in a different way.

The path isn’t clear, but there is a process

I believe in making only one resolution. This makes it easier to stay on track and to keep that promise. Resolving to use my intuition is one thing, but it involves many different practices.

I’m going to check in with myself and listen to my intuition. I will slow down and take breaks from thinking and doing all the time. I will pay attention to that still, small voice. I will stop ignoring my inner guide

Intuition never steers you wrong. The challenge is that it’s so damned quiet. It barely whispers.

That subtle voice is you. When you ignore it, trouble will find you.

I don’t just want to avoid bad decisions. I want to do use my intuition to do meaningful work and develop deeper connections with others.

That means paying attention to good feelings as well. Opportunities can present themselves and disappear quickly if you ignore them.

Recently, I started doing work that I never thought would interest me. My logical thinking says “What?!” But as things progress and I check in with myself, I feel good about it. We’ll see what 2022 holds.

I want to thank Winston of Coffee Times for inspiring writers and writing. I’d also like to acknowledge other generous editors including Eric Sangerma, Dr Mehmet Yildiz, Dr. Preeti Singh, Benny Lim, Scott Mayer, Alyssa Atkinson, Kristina God, Nancy Peckenham, and Tom Fenske.