We’ve all got an inner voice that guides us, some just choose to ignore it or pretend it doesn’t exist.
I’ve always been a big believer in my inner voice: It’s taken me places, helped me refocus, make tough decisions, and given me the confidence to go after what feels right.
“Everyone who wills can hear their inner voice. It is within everyone.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Recently, however, I struggled to hear my inner voice. It’s like she up and left me. Every time I tried to find her I got my inner critic instead. The two are very different. My inner critic is pretty mean because all she does is tell me I’m doing things wrong and I’m inadequate. My inner voice is the opposite, she speaks without judgement. She tells me “my truth.”
I wanted the guidance of my inner voice so badly. I’d become dependent on it, especially since I started my business a year ago. All my business decisions are made based on what my inner voice tells me to do.
I know that may sound crazy to some, but for years I ignored my intuition, and as a result I kept doing a bunch of things that made me really unhappy like staying at a 9-5 desk job. Sometimes I even pretended it didn’t exist, despite it screaming at me to leave a bad relationship. And most of the time I valued other people’s advice over my own.
Our inner voice doesn’t speak up about the little things, like what sandwich to choose for lunch: beef or chicken? It steps in for the big stuff: marriage proposals, job decisions, travel plans, and judging people’s character. It pipes up when we need it the most.
“Don’t let the voice of others’ opinions drown out your inner voice.” – Steve Jobs
Most of the time we choose not to listen to, or can’t hear, the voice because we’re afraid of what our intuition is telling us. That’s why we run into our pal the inner critic instead. We think we’re protecting ourselves but really we aren’t doing ourselves any favours. The more we hide the less happy, successful and fulfilled we’ll be.
I recognised what I was doing pretty quickly. It took a few days of being away from everything, and a lot of quiet reflection, but in the end I found my inner voice again. I didn’t like what she had to say but I knew she was right.
Listening to my inner voice has never let me down. And I’m sure your inner voice, if you choose to listen to it, won’t either.
Remember
- Pay attention to your gut feelings
- Take time out to quieten your mind so you can hear your inner voice
- Trust in your intuition
Do have trouble listening to your inner voice? And has your intuition helped you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Featured image from Google.
