My Head says YES, but my Gut says NO... What NOW?

Do you also sometimes experience a conundrum where there is conflict in your body about a decision you need to make? Logically, it sounds like a good idea, but deep down, a little voice sends a warning signal that maybe this is not such a good idea. 

I can't count how many times I have ignored that little voice and then it was proven to be right later. Get a new job offer and you shout hell yeah but then in your gut or sometimes called your heart, there is a pause.... maybe look carefully at the contract.... think about this for a moment. If you're like me you jump in boots and all and go for it, only to discover a few months later that all is not as it seems. You don't enjoy driving as much as you thought, you don't like going from meeting to meeting and you don't thrive under constant pressure. 

This happened to me in October 2023. I was in a high-stress job, running several teams and meeting many deadlines. I knew I had to leave, so I began putting the word out that I was looking for something new. In my desperation, I got a job offer that was similar to work I had done before but would include only sales. 

As I read the job description, I thought I could do this, I needed to do this, and I couldn't stay where I was but, in my gut, there was a hard NO. 

I ignored that voice and took the position and started in November. The first few months involved mostly training and setting up client lists etc. This went well. But then it became time for me to begin meeting the sales targets, going to meetings after meetings, travelling all over the province, traffic, and reports, and my wheels started to come off. If you are not built for a certain position, then no matter how hard you try it won't work. 

Well 6 months later in May 2024, sick with a stomach ulcer, IBS, insomnia from worry and regular panic attacks I resigned. I had no other job to go to and fell apart.

In June 2024, I had my meltdown, I cried nearly all the time, I could barely function, and my body shut down. I was sick, broken, aimless, futureless and at my lowest point.

It was in this state that I began to research what to do to get my body healed, my nervous system out of fear mode and how to find myself. This is where Thrive in Life comes from, I want to thrive not only survive and everything I have been doing since is to heal not only myself, but I think there may be others who need the same healing too.

So, I am on a quest to find my passion, and my purpose and to give back to others who may be feeling as I did, empty, raw with pain and lost.

Some things I have realized in my journey from June till now are that we are stronger than we think, we can pick ourselves up, what you eat does matter, and you must move your body to get the toxins and stored emotions etc out. 

I am in NO WAY done but every day can be a little better than the day before and nothing stays the same so move through and out of this phase and onto what you should be doing by following your gut and not your head.

What is Intuition?

Intuition is often described as the "gut feeling" or the ability to understand or sense something instinctively, without relying on conscious reasoning or analysis. It’s a form of subconscious insight derived from past experiences, emotions, and stored knowledge, often functioning beneath the level of conscious thought.

Characteristics of Intuition

1. Quick and Effortless: It provides answers or insights almost instantly.
2. Emotionally Charged: Often accompanied by a feeling of certainty or unease.
3. Non-Logical: Unlike rational thought, intuition isn’t always based on clear evidence or steps.
4. Subconscious Processing: Draws from patterns and information you've absorbed over time, even without realizing it.

Types of Intuition

1. Emotional Intuition: Sensing people’s emotions or intentions.
2. Creative Intuition: The spark of inspiration or innovative ideas, often used in art and problem-solving.
3. Practical Intuition: Making quick, accurate decisions in familiar contexts (e.g., a chef knowing when a dish is perfectly cooked).
4. Spiritual Intuition: A deeper, sometimes mystical sense of connection or guidance.

How to Develop and Use Intuition

Listen to Your Gut Feelings:

• Pay attention to your initial emotional and physical responses when faced with a decision. Feelings of tension, excitement, or unease can indicate intuitive insights.

Practice Mindfulness:

• Spend time in quiet reflection or meditation to clear mental noise. This helps you tune into subtle cues and internal signals.

Learn to Trust It:

• Test your intuition in small decisions and observe the outcomes. This builds confidence in relying on it.

Connect with Past Experiences:

• Reflect on moments when your intuition was correct. Understanding patterns in past behaviour helps reinforce your intuitive responses.

Expand Your Knowledge:

• Intuition often draws from your stored experiences and knowledge. Read widely, try new things, and expand your expertise in areas of interest.

Journal Your Thoughts:

• Write down your intuitive feelings about situations and review them later to see how accurate they are. This will help you recognise true intuition versus fear or wishful thinking.

Use Visualization:

• When stuck on a problem, visualise possible outcomes. Often, intuition will guide you toward the one that feels right.

Limit Overthinking:

• Intuition works best when you're not clouding it with excessive logic or analysis. Balance instinct with reason.

Surround Yourself with Positivity:

• A positive environment fosters clearer intuition, as stress or negativity can block your ability to connect with your inner guidance.

Using Intuition in Everyday Life

Decision-Making:

• When logical analysis feels inconclusive, lean on your intuition to guide your choice.

Creative Pursuits:

• Artists, writers, and innovators often rely on intuition for inspiration and breakthroughs.

Interpersonal Relationships:

• Use your intuition to sense others' emotions or hidden intentions, helping you navigate social interactions more effectively.

Career and Business:

• Trust your instincts when evaluating opportunities, hiring decisions, or timing investments.

Health and Well-Being:

• Listen to your body’s intuitive signals, such as feeling tired, stressed, or energized, to make lifestyle adjustments.

Safety and Survival:

• Intuition can alert you to danger or guide you in unfamiliar situations.

Balancing Intuition and Logic

While intuition is powerful, it’s most effective when balanced with rational thought. Use intuition as a first response and logic to validate or refine the decision. Together, they create a comprehensive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

By developing and trusting your intuition, you can tap into a rich internal resource to navigate life with more confidence, clarity, and creativity.

If your gut/heart causes you to take a pause and think about a decision you are about to make, take that pause, explore what your body is saying and make better decisions.

Your friend

Karin