My mind was full of questions and my body empty of food as I sat overlooking the canyon. During recent months, I had lost faith in myself and my life dreams. Was I really good enough to write a book that would inspire others? Would I ever meet “the One” and fall in love? I took myself to the place where I knew I could find answers, to the New Mexico desert for another vision quest. As I poured out my deepest concerns and questions, a strong, clear answer came from within: “You already know.”
As soon as I heard it, I knew it to be true. Rather than a sharp, new realization, it felt like a gentle nudge awake. Over the next few days, I asked myself all of my questions. Within minutes, I received clear guidance for each one. As I listened to my own inner wisdom about my relationships, next steps on my career path, and other wonderings, my courage and self-confidence grew. I again felt certain about myself and excited about my life path, more committed than ever. I now knew that should I ever falter, I could rely on myself for direction and support.
So many of us forget or question our own deep knowing. We let our minds second-guess us or our fears talk us out of whatever it is we must do. Filled with self-doubt and confusion, we turn to friends, family members, and paid professionals to help us find our way. We forget that all we have to do is ask ourselves, then trust the answer.
Trusting the answer often takes courage, especially when it involves making a hard decision or a big change. Many times, when we think we don’t know what to do, the deeper truth is that we do know; we’re just too scared to follow through. It feels easier to allow ourselves to stay lost in confusion and indecision than it does to make a change that may cause short-term pain, even though we know it is better for us in the long run.
So go ahead and ask yourself all of your life questions and pay close attention to the answers. Sound too simple to be true? Try it. Quiet your mind and your body and ask yourself as if asking an “expert” (which you are). Once you hear the answer, honor it as the truth, and begin taking any necessary next steps. If you feel scared or unsure, turn to your loved ones for support and encouragement, but don’t let their opinions or fears dissuade you from your truth. Keep trusting, and keep walking forward. Even when you feel like you’ve lost your way, you’ll soon get signs and reminders that you’re on the right path. Although it may feel scary to guide ourselves, it’s certainly less painful and taxing than allowing ourselves to wander around in a desert of uncertainty for days or even years.
© 2009 by Laurie Gardner