Aligning With Your Inner Wisdom

Indecision can sometimes be an indication that something is out of alignment in your life. I remember a time when my mind had started overriding my inner knowing, because the inner voice was saying something that was deeply inconvenient. I knew, when I listened, that this wise voice was right, but I couldn't bring myself to listen. Listening would have meant responding, and making a huge change that I knew would bring grief and pain to others. Instead, I turned to my mind to rationalize my decision to continue on as I was, despite the knowledge that it didn't feel right. My intellect did a fabulous job of convincing me that I was in the right situation and that this inner wisdom was wrong.

This continued on for some time, and life was ok- not great, but ok. But I started to notice that I was struggling to make decisions. Simple things, like what I was going to eat for breakfast, or what to wear, felt monumental. I just didn't seem to know what I wanted. Indecision was not a new phenomenon for me, but this was a new level. I didn't understand why I was having such a hard time making a choice.

As I was fumbling through the fog, trying to figure out what was happening to me, I was fortunate to speak with a friend and mentor. I clearly remember her words, as I pondered my current situation, repeating the phrase, "I don't, know, I don't know, I don't know...". With her years of life experience and wisdom, she looked into my eyes and she said, "Joy, you DO know."

Suddenly I realized what the indecision was about. I had lost my inner compass. Well, not exactly. The compass was still there, and it was still working, but I no longer trusted what it was telling me. I was seeking direction from my head, rather than my heart and my gut. This moment changed the direction of my life. I made the difficult decision, which took months, and did cause much grief and pain, but as I transitioned out of a situation that wasn't right, I began to trust myself. First, just a little, then, as I continued to listen, a little more. I started to hear the voice in my head as my own truth, rather than a nuisance, and I began following the direction. My own sense of joy slowly returned, and I recognized that my indecision was serving as a warning sign, that something was out of alignment. That my inner knowing was not congruent with my daily life.

If you find yourself mired in uncertainty and indecision, I encourage you to pause. Take a moment to look at your life and hear your wise voice within. Are you living in alignment with your inner knowing? Is there a change you need to make? Consider the ways that your inner wisdom speaks to you. Is it through journaling, in quiet meditation, during a mountain bike ride, or a walk through the forest? Are you giving yourself time for these activities, and allowing the inner voice to speak to you? Are there changes you need to make? If you find that you are in need of a change but could use some support, reach out. I would love to work with you in finding a way to live a life that more fully embraces the truest essence of you.