The Power of Intuition: Personal Stories and Lessons Learned

Intuition is often described as a gut feeling or a sense that guides us without a clear reason. Many people rely on their intuition when making decisions, especially when faced with uncertainty. In this article, we explore personal stories of making important decisions based on intuition and the lessons learned from such experiences.

What Important Decisions Have You Based on Intuition?

Trusting our intuition can have significant impacts on the course of our lives. For many, it is not always conscious or easily explained, yet it can provide clear guidance. I can recount several instances in which intuition played a pivotal role in making important decisions. However, my younger self may not have recognized these instants as intuitive processes.

My Younger Self and Intuition

Until the age of thirty-five, I was not often aware of my intuition. It was rare, and when it did surface, I was quick to dismiss it or ignore it. But as I grew older, I began to notice these inklings or insights about various situations. These moments became more frequent and beneficial, often guiding me to the right decision.

Some may argue that what feels like intuition is actually unacknowledged impulse or subconscious decision-making. Nevertheless, for the most part, my decisions were made based on instinct rather than a silent battle between the mind and gut. When faced with indecision, I usually weighed the options, made a choice, and then took action. Even if it seemed overly simplistic, it was a process I trusted.

Turning Point: A Dangerous Night with an Unhealthy Relationship

One of the most significant moments that reinforced the importance of intuition came when I was 19 years old and in a relationship with an older, detrimental man. The relationship was marked by his sociopathic tendencies, including flat affect and extreme paranoia. I was barely aware of the severity of his behaviors at the time.

Choosing to Put Safety First

During a night out on Halloween, he made a call suggesting we attend a party with his friend. However, instead of going along, I was suddenly filled with a strong sense of fear. I noticed that my cell phone showed the wrong time, leading me to believe a midnight deadline was in place. I lied and claimed I needed to head home, having a feeling I shouldn't go. To my surprise, he complied without argument.

Upon returning home, I realized that my parents were awake and the time on my phone was correct, indicating I had been transported home by him when I should have been at the party. The following day, he called to share the terrifying details: someone was waving a gun around, drugs were everywhere, and he had gotten so drunk that he hit a tree on the way home.

Practicing Trust in Intuition

This experience taught me the value of paying attention to my intuition. It was a turning point, leading me to practice and refine my intuitive skills over the years. Today, I use it not just to anticipate future events but also to make informed decisions, particularly in my career as a nurse.

Intuition is a powerful tool, but it requires practice and focus. One must know oneself well to distinguish between true intuition and mistaken thoughts. Over time, I learned to trust my senses and act on them, even when the reasoning behind it was not immediately clear.

My experience highlights the importance of heeding our inner voice and trusting our gut, even when faced with complex or ambiguous situations. Whether it leads to personal growth, safety, or professional advancement, intuition can be a valuable guide in our lives.