It's easy to look outside ourselves for answers, especially when we don't trust our own opinions, judgments, or views. That way, we get a false sense of relief; however, there is a caveat… A constant need for external approval and guidance often grows over time. It slowly chips away at your confidence in your own unbiased, authentic decision-making.
Because, in the middle of all that noise, our own voices can become harder to hear.
Listening inward invites you to pause and notice what is happening within you. It might take a while to fully experience this, especially if you have been silencing yourself for a very long time. But giving your mind, body, and spirit the respect and opportunity to be heard is the first step. “How do you do that?” you may ask. In this reflection, we'll do an exercise to help you hear and understand the thoughts, feelings, needs, and desires that are truly your own. Not to question or correct them, but to let them exist.
You don't need to have everything figured out. Sometimes, simply noticing is enough.
Take a moment to reflect.
Find a comfortable place to pause. Take a breath, settle in, and explore whichever questions resonate with you. I personally like to talk out loud. It felt uncomfortable when I first started, but now I can’t imagine doing it any other way. I find I can reach my biggest breakthroughs and express myself best this way. Try it if you want, but don’t feel pressured. You can also write, sit with a thought, or notice what comes up.
What have I been feeling lately that I haven't given myself space to acknowledge?
When do I feel most able to hear my own thoughts?
What helps me distinguish my own wants and needs from others’ expectations?
Is there something I already know, but haven't permitted myself to trust?
If I permitted myself to listen without judgment, what might I hear?
Sit with what emerges.
You don't need to turn every realization into an action. In fact, that isn’t the goal at all. Give yourself time to be with whatever came up, even if it feels unfinished or unclear. With time, you may begin to recognize your own voice more clearly. Lastly, I would like you to reflect on this question:
What is one thing I'd like to carry with me from this reflection?
There is no right answer, and you don't need to force one if you don’t know. But it's worth pondering, because doing the exercise is only part of seeing real change and growth in your life.
P.S.
A great free app to help you identify your emotions is ‘How We Feel’. It covers a wide range of emotions and helps you understand how you're feeling beyond common descriptions like good, bad, tired, sad, angry, fear, etc.
