Reader,
Have you ever felt that subtle pull in a certain direction or a quiet voice within urging you to take—or avoid—a step?
That’s your intuition.
It’s the inner compass we all have, yet so often ignore in favor of logic, noise, or the opinions of others.
During the last Women’s Circle I co-facilitated with Sadie Wackett, we spent time reflecting on our knowing, our intuition, and the decisions we’ve made—both when we’ve listened to it and when we haven’t.
In that reflection, I had a powerful realization: so much of the anxiety I’ve experienced in life has stemmed from the moments when I heard my intuition but ignored it.
When I’ve pushed forward despite feeling a sense of unease, taken on commitments that didn’t feel right, or stayed in situations that didn’t align with my values, it’s almost always led to stress, regret, or frustration.
Conversely, the times when I’ve trusted my gut—even when it didn’t make logical sense—are the moments that have brought me the greatest peace and clarity.
This reflection brought to mind a message I read last week from The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest:
“Maybe you should trust the missed connections, the calls gone unanswered, the opportunities that had every reason to work out but didn’t. Maybe you should trust in the small signs before they become big ones. Maybe you should trust those tiny contractions, the nights that exhaust you and the people who don’t see you and the places that make you feel that subtle uneasiness. Maybe you should learn to trust in what passes you by so you'll begin to trust in what lands right in front of you. Maybe you should trust that in what isn't working, because it might be trying to guide you to what will.”
Intuition is often dismissed because it’s quiet, subtle, and doesn’t always come with a rational explanation. But it’s a powerful guide. It helps us discern when something feels right—or wrong—long before our minds catch up. Trusting it isn’t always easy, especially in a world that prioritizes logic over feeling, but learning to do so can be transformational.
Here are some ways your intuition might be trying to guide you:
- A gut feeling about a decision, even if you can’t explain why.
- Subtle uneasiness in certain situations or around certain people.
- A sense of relief when you think about walking away from something.
- A feeling of lightness or excitement when considering a particular path.
Often, these signs are easy to dismiss. But when we start to notice and trust them, they can lead us to opportunities, clarity, and alignment.
If trusting your intuition feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable, here are some practices that can help you tune in:
- Practice Stillness
Create quiet moments through meditation, journaling, or simply spending time in nature. Silence helps amplify the whispers of intuition.
- Pay Attention to Patterns
Notice recurring feelings or signs in your life. Are there themes or messages that keep coming up?
- Listen to Your Body
Intuition often manifests physically—tightness in your chest, butterflies in your stomach, or a sense of calm. Learn to interpret these signals.
- Reflect on Past Decisions
Think about times you’ve followed your intuition. How did it feel? What was the outcome? Use these reflections to build trust in yourself.
- Release the Need for Certainty
Trusting your intuition means letting go of the need to have all the answers upfront. It’s about taking one step at a time and having faith in the process.
Trusting your intuition isn’t just about avoiding mistakes; it’s about creating a life that feels aligned, authentic, and intentional. As The Pivot Year reminds us, even the missed opportunities and unanswered calls may be guiding us toward something better.
This week, I encourage you to pause and listen. What is your intuition trying to tell you? Maybe it’s time to stop ignoring the small whispers before they turn into loud reminders.
Here’s to living with trust, intention, and alignment.
