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 got one of the problems wrong.
“5+1 is 6,” I told her.
“No, it’s 7,” she insisted.
So, I changed my answer.
It’s been that way ever since; anytime someone 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, beliefs and desires.
All I could hear when anyone spoke was they were right, and I was wrong. My confidence eroded, taking my voice with it.
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. Divine. 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
“Don’t do it,” the voice inside repeated just as I was about to cosign a loan.
Afraid to upset the boyfriend I was helping get a car, I signed my name anyway. The loan defaulted and took several years to pay off, damaging my credit.
Looking back, I realize that persistent whisper was God warning me.
I think I knew it deep down even then, but my judgment was clouded by fear, insecurity and desperation.
It’s much easier to detect our inner voice from a place of stillness, or what I call simplicity and ease. It’s the peace that comes from connection to God.
That is why I’m so passionate about decluttering our home and life. It’s a stepping stone to simplicity and ease.
Is Your Inner Voice Always Right?
Remember the math worksheet I mentioned earlier? I had the right answer…before I changed it.
I can remember Miss Hardy, realizing what happened, addressing the class, suggesting that the greater mistake is to go with someone else’s answer. I believe she was telling me I have my own voice.
Message finally received, Miss Hardy.
Why You Should Follow Your Instincts
There’s such a relief in knowing I had the right answers all along; that I can trust my inner voice.
It’s given me the courage and conviction to change my marriage, improve the way I parent, and even put an end to dysfunctional belief systems passed down from generations before me.
I feel so much closer to Truth, more aligned with who I’m meant to be. There’s nothing more freeing than that.
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.