I remember the first time it happened. I was in first grade, about to turn in my math worksheet, when the girl who sat next to me insisted I had the wrong answer on one of the problems.
So, I changed my answer.
It’s been that way ever since; anytime someone else spoke with confidence or conviction, I took them at their word. I gave all of those people, with their strong opinions, firm beliefs, and well-intended advice authority over me; over my own opinions and beliefs and desires.
I cowered.
I doubted myself.
I gave in.
I kept quiet.
I changed my answer.
And, over time, I completely lost confidence in my voice. All I could hear when anyone spoke was they were right, and I was wrong.
Changing my answer all of those years ago was the beginning to a destructive end. Oh, the stories I could share. But, for now, we’ll stick to this one lesson on learning to trust your inner voice.
A Profound Reason to Trust Your Inner Voice
What is Your Inner Voice?
Inner wisdom. Intuition. Gut. Instincts. Holy Spirit. God’s voice. It doesn’t really matter what you call it. The point is you have a God-given inner voice.
For me, it’s a still, small voice that nudges my soul. I’ve also experienced it as a conviction or knowing. Other times it’s a gut instinct.
What I know for sure is this: listening to and following this voice requires self awareness, mindfulness and even courage.
How to Listen to Your Inner Voice
One time I kept hearing that still, small voice saying “Don’t do it” as I was about to cosign a loan. I ignored it.
The loan defaulted and took several years to pay off which also damaged my credit. Looking back, I recognize that voice as God guiding me. Warning me really.
Listening requires an inner stillness and peace. In this situation, my soul was anything but still. I was too busy worrying about upsetting the person I was cosigning for, especially since it was a boyfriend.
(There’s nothing like being desperate for love and searching for significance to cloud our judgment. This is why decluttering your home and life is so important. It allows you the space you need for quiet and listening.)
Is Your Inner Voice Always Right?
Remember the math worksheet I mentioned earlier? I had the correct answer…before I changed it.
I can remember Miss Hardy, seeing what had happened, addressing the class, suggesting that the greater mistake is to go with someone else’s answer. I realize now she was telling me I have my own voice.
There’s relief in knowing I had the right answers all along; that I can trust my inner voice. And so can you, because in my experience, it’s always been right.
Why You Should Follow Your Instincts
As I alluded earlier, the greatest reward of trusting your inner voice is personal and spiritual growth.
It took years of learning this lesson on repeat to reach a place where I could follow the prompting of my inner voice and use it to make changes in my marriage, in the way we parented, and even to put an end to dysfunctional beliefs and behaviors carried over from generations before us.
Your inner voice is there to guide you in your relationship with yourself, with others, and with God and to help you walk in truth. That’s probably the most profound reason to trust your inner voice: There is nothing more freeing than living in truth.
For more on spiritual living and personal growth, read:
Cindy says
Love this and it definitely struck a chord with me.
CAndy says
Words I needed to hear, thank you!
Terri j says
What a great lesson to not only teach, but to learn Words and “well meaning intentions” have such a huge impact on us that often we stop listening to our own inner voice.
mary L says
Thanks for sharing. Your words are a gift to readers.
Julie says
Mrs. Hines, you have a way of speaking right to my heart.
We live in different parts of the country, but we are “kindred-spirits”.
Thanking God for your voice today~
Blessings~
Beverly Dennis says
This article could not have come at a better time in my life. Thank you!
Sharon says
I’m so glad! Thank you for sharing that with me.