At this point in my life when my nagging inner voice suggests I need to do something I pause to consider
- Does it have to be now?
- Do I feel like doing it?
- Will something get messed up if I ignore it?
Does It Have to Be Now?
I’ve learned to distinguish how important a suggestion is by discerning how insistent the little voice is.
The more it nags the bigger the repercussions if I don’t listen.
Do I Feel Like Doing It?
If I’ve got inertia going I evaluate whether something needs to be done that moment, that day, that week.
I also consider whether inertia is boredom or something deeper.
Will Something Get Messed Up If I Ignore It?
One of the most painful lessons I’ve learned – one that still haunts me – what happens when I ignore the voice – regardless of how loud or soft it’s whispering.
I haven’t forgiven myself and yes I know I need to work on it.
The silver lining is I have a true understanding of the repercussions of ignoring the voice trying to guide me out of a bad situation and/or into a good one.
Case In Point
Last night while meditating I realized I forgot to mail 3 cards. After calming the initial panic I mentally said “Hey another reason to take a second morning walk.”
It’s several miles to the post office.
Before drifting off I reminded myself there was no urgency.
Or So I Thought
This morning the inner voice said “Do the cards now.”
I didn’t feel like doing the cards.
Like I said there was no urgency.
Turn Up the Volume
The next time the inner voice spoke it shouted. “Do the cards now!”
I did the cards.
Next Order
It was earlier than I would normally do a second morning walk but the naggy little voice insisted I
- Go to the post office
- Take My Wallet
Take my wallet? Why? I’m not going to buy anything! I’m walking to the post office and back and that’s it.
Louder
“Take your wallet and put business cards in it!”
I’d run out from handing them out.
Okay fine.
As I started down the sidewalk I said “Okay God, it’s obvious there’s someone I’m supposed to see/meet.”
Which is why the timing was so important.
Next Order
While walking I mentally calculated which return route I would take.
You know, just to shake things up?
“Go to Starbucks.”
WHAT?!
“Go to Starbucks.”
“I’m not going to Starbucks!”
I had a pot of coffee waiting at home!
Louder
As in shouting.
“GO TO STARBUCKS!”
Knowing how things go when I ignore the naggy little voice – let alone a naggy shouting voice – I calculated my route so it would take me to Starbucks.
As It Happens
It all comes together.
As I was walking toward the door I saw a very pretty lady coming toward me. Smiling I wished her a good morning.
Coming round to start back home I saw her staring into the distance. I asked if she needed help. She smiled and explained she was looking at a car that had Merry Christmas across the trunk. Following her line of sight I saw and smiled.
Now It Truly Comes Together
I was about to walk on when she asked if she could ask a question.
“Why are you limping?”
I explained I’d had a subdural hematoma from falling off a diving board, was paralyzed on my left side and when I’m tired I limp.
Her Response
“I had a stroke.”
Mind and Spirit.
We had a wonderful back and forth – one I think helped us both.
While people can empathize there’s something about talking with someone who’s been there that helps you feel understood if not whole.
As the conversation wound down she asked my name. Explaining I’m a holistic doctor I pulled out one of those business cards the naggy little voice insisted I take with me and handed it over.
It pays to listen.
Elizabeth Maxim 