Have you ever ignored a gut feeling—and then regretted it?
That feeling deep down inside, a sort of inner voice nudging you in a certain direction? Maybe it's a feeling that something isn't quite right, or perhaps it's a sense of excitement about a new opportunity.
Whatever form it takes, that's your intuition speaking—and it's a powerful tool that we often underestimate.
I hate to admit that this happens to me, but it does. I've ignored my gut feelings before, and more often than not, I've regretted it. Just the other day, I was reminded of the importance of listening to that inner voice.
It seemed quite insignificant at the time however, it was as simple as wearing a light jacket out for a hike. I was getting a gnawing feeling to wear a warmer coat but the sun was shining and the iPhone temperature reading was good. Even on the drive I was thinking I should be wearing something warmer but at the same time dismissing the thought because the sun was beaming in the car and quite warm.
Sure enough, we get to the conservation area and it was freezing….OMG….I proceeded with the hike but felt the chill right through my bones. What a crazy thing. I should have just listened to my gut and would have enjoyed the outing that much more.
Another time – a bigger event involving quite a bit of money – that would have been life changing for a family member.
Here’s what happened…
Years ago, after my stepfather passed away, we decided to renovate our home. Our aim was to create a cozy self-contained apartment for my mother, who had been living in a small bungalow at the time. During this process, I felt a strong inner urge to keep the bungalow and transform it into a rental property. I spent hours researching rental agreements and landlord/tenant laws, convinced that this decision would not only provide income for my mother but also serve as a valuable investment for our family's future.
Despite my strong feelings about it, others involved in the decision-making process were (for reasons I completely understand) hesitant. Instead of pushing my viewpoint and explaining all the positive points and why I felt so strongly, I chose to defer to the collective decision of the family.
In the end, the house was sold. However, not long after, a new commuter train line opened nearby, causing property values to soar. The even bigger bang though was when Covid hit, sending home prices skyrocketing to unprecedented levels. It became clear that if we had held onto the property just a few short years, my mother could have made a substantial profit— much more than what it sold for at the time.
These moments of hindsight, filled with "would'ves, could'ves, should'ves", are familiar to all of us in the world of real estate and other investments. It’s actually a very common theme and definitely not the first or last time I’ve experienced it. But what stands out to me most from this particular experience was the intense, overwhelmingly strong feelings I had at the time. It was as though my gut was doing handstands and tied in knots all at the same time, urging me to pay attention, “LISTEN TO ME”. It was something I will never forget because it was so profound at the time.
This experience is a reminder for me of the power of intuition, of that inner voice guiding us through life's decisions and it’s a lesson I won't soon forget.
Another example - I heard of a person (not my husband luckily) who was grilling some burgers for dinner one night. It was raining and windy. He took the burgers off the grill, put them on a plate, and then looked back at the grill to make sure he had turned it off. The flame was out, so he headed into the house.
When he got up in the morning, he had a feeling that he should check the grill again, but assured himself that all was well and went on with his day. A few hours later, he smelled gas. When he checked the grill, he realized that the wind had blown out the flame the night before—so it had been leaking gas all night. This could have been disastrous. Just another example of the importance of listening to that nagging feeling.
It’s not always about avoiding catastrophes. Sometimes, it's the little things, the everyday moments where listening to that inner guidance can make all the difference.
For example, have you ever met someone for the first time and instantly felt a connection? It's like you're drawn to them? That's your intuition at work, recognizing something in that person that resonates with you.
Or maybe you've been faced with a tough decision, weighing the pros and cons until your head is spinning. But then, out of nowhere, you get this gut feeling, a sense of clarity that cuts right through all the confusion. Most times, trusting that feeling can lead you down the right path, even if it defies logic or reason.
At certain moments or times in our lives, we all experience intuitive feelings. Some people feel these feelings stronger than others. Sometimes, it helps us with little things, like choosing what clothes to wear or which book to read. Other times, it's about bigger stuff, like deciding on a job or who to trust. No matter the size of the decision, intuition is that little voice inside us, guiding us in the right direction. It points us towards what is right for us.
I’ve been intrigued by some of Louise Hay’s teachings. She believes that intuition is our inner voice (or “Inner Ding,” as she called it), which speaks to us through feelings, sensations, and gut instincts. She says that by paying attention to these signals, we can make decisions that align with our highest good and avoid situations that don’t serve us.
It isn’t some mystical force, but a natural ability we all have – like a compass, it’s a product of the subconscious mind, which processes information at a much faster rate than our conscious mind can and guides us through the maze of life. It's not always loud or flashy; sometimes, it's just a whisper in the back of your mind. But if you learn to listen, to really tune in to that inner voice, you'll find that it has a lot to say.
So, how can we learn to trust our intuition?
Here are some tips:
Listen to your body. Pay attention to how you feel physically when making decisions. Does your stomach feel tight or relaxed? Do you feel a sense of excitement or dread? These physical sensations can give you clues about what’s right for you.
Mindfulness practice. By focusing on being in the moment with quiet minds, it’s easier for thoughts to process. I try to take a few moments each day to sit quietly and breathe deeply.
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help get clarity about what you truly want. Sometimes I get the best ideas in the middle of the night. Between 2a.m.-3a.m. And for sure – by morning I’ve forgotten it all - though I know the ideas were brilliant at the time. So now, I keep a paper and pen on my bedside table for when I wake at those ungodly hours, I jot down what’s on my mind and go back to sleep.
Taking action is the next step. Fear is one of the biggest obstacles to trusting our intuition. I work toward overcoming fears by taking action when I feel inspired or excited about something—I believe that’s my intuition talking. Starting small of course – over time learning to trust the nudges.
In the end, trusting our gut feelings is like having a helpful friend by our side. It takes time to get used to relying on our instincts, but it's worth it. When we listen and believe in ourselves, it helps us make better decisions.
So the next time you feel that tug in your gut, that little voice urging you to pay attention, don't ignore it. Take a moment to pause, to listen, and to trust.
You never know—it might just save you from a world of regret or lead you to incredible opportunities.
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