Tip #32: Trust Your Intuition

Intuition–our deepest gut feelings and knowing–can guide us if we listen.”
-Judith Orloff, M.D.

We are often told to trust our intuition, but like much advice it’s much easier said than done. What our gut tells us is often not the same message that we obtain from reasoning. We can’t control our gut feelings and often that’s what makes them so important.

Now, try making a decision with your intuition rather than following your conscious thoughts. For example, today, when you choose what to eat, do it with your intuition. Instead of choosing what is healthiest, or what you assume is your favorite dish, try attending to your gut feeling. Maybe it’s some sort of undefined creaminess you want, something hearty, or something refreshing. Don’t logic your way through the choice, just listen to what you really want.

Take Home Message:

When making a decision, don’t utilize only reason. Your intuition is a powerful guide as well.

“I was very worried about the symptoms. The earaches occurred often…. She [the doctor] initially attributed Dana’s symptoms to allergies, but I knew something else was wrong. Dana’s symptoms were severe, and she was crying, screaming, and holding her head during her headaches. The doctor stuck to thinking that Dana had allergies, telling me to trust her and to try different medications. I just had a gut feeling something else was wrong. I called the doctor and demanded a CAT scan…. We later discovered these ear infections were caused by the brain tumor blocking drainage because of the increased swelling in Dana’s brain.”
-Terrie Brown (featured in Perseverance)