From the time we are very young, we’re conditioned to want certain things, to expect to achieve milestones in a particular order, and to be a certain way in public vs. privately. Those outer voices drown out our inner voice.
The messages we receive vary from clumsy and ineffective to subtle and pervasive. But we receive them. Even if we don’t want to obey them, we absorb them.
Sometimes the instruction we receive is intended to make our lives easier. Other times it may be to keep us out of trouble. Occasionally it may be to make other people’s lives easier, by damping down our natural instincts.
But if you live your life according to these external prompts and societal expectations you will reach a point where it no longer makes sense to you.
Because it never had anything to do with you.
Listening to other people and doing what they say is best for you is one way to get stuck.
The best way to get unstuck is to start listening to yourself.
Here’s a creative challenge to help you hear what your inner sweetheart is trying to tell you.
- Pour yourself a beverage that soothes you, whether that’s tea or something stronger.
- Savor the drink, and as you do, think about where you are right now, the things you enjoy and dislike, and where you’d like to be this time next year.
- Get a pad of paper and pen and give yourself at least 5-10 minutes to write out your thoughts. Whenever you get stuck, write I want … and complete the sentence without censoring or judging yourself.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed by what other people want for you, this is a great exercise to repeat. And if you need other reminders on ways to listen to your body and its deep wisdom, you can find more pointers here and here.
Let me know how it goes! Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below or tag @trulykristi on social channels. 🙂
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