Trusting My Gut: Understanding Intuition and Fear in Decision Making by Raevin Mitchell
Making decisions can sometimes feel like navigating a maze where every turn leads to more confusion. But there's this little voice inside me that sometimes says, "This feels right," or "This doesn't seem like a good idea." That's intuition, and it's like having a built-in compass guiding me through life's twists and turns.
Imagine this: it's lunchtime at school, and I have a choice between sitting with my usual group of friends or trying out a new table where I don't know anyone. My intuition might give me a feeling of excitement or curiosity about the new table, nudging me to take a chance and make new friends. On the other hand, fear might creep in, whispering worries about rejection or awkwardness, making me hesitate to step out of my comfort zone.
One way I can tell the difference between intuition and fear is by paying attention to how each feels in my body. When I listen to my intuition, I might feel a sense of calmness or confidence, like a warm glow spreading from my chest. It's like my body saying, "Yes, this is the right choice." But when fear takes over, I might feel tense or jittery, like a knot in my stomach or a racing heart. Fear tries to protect me from imagined dangers, but it also holds me back from new experiences and opportunities for growth.
Another clue is to think about the long-term effects of my decision. Intuition often leads me towards choices that align with my values and goals, even if they seem scary at first. For example, if I have a chance to try out for the school play but I'm nervous about auditioning, my intuition might remind me how much I love acting and how proud I'll feel if I give it a shot. Fear, on the other hand, focuses on short-term discomforts and worries about what might go wrong. It might convince me to play it safe and skip the audition, even though deep down, I really want to give it a try.
Talking to someone I trust can also help me figure out if I'm following my intuition or giving in to fear. Whether it's a parent, a teacher, or a friend, sharing my thoughts and feelings can bring clarity to my decision-making process. They might offer a different perspective or ask questions that help me uncover what's really driving my choices. If I find myself making excuses or trying to justify a decision, it could be a sign that fear is calling the shots instead of my intuition.
Lastly, reflecting on past experiences can be a valuable tool for understanding the difference between intuition and fear. If I think back to times when I followed my intuition and things turned out well, I can recognize the signs and feelings that guided me in the right direction. Likewise, if I remember moments when fear held me back from trying something new or speaking up for myself, I can learn from those experiences and recognize when fear is trying to take control again.
In conclusion, learning to trust my intuition and distinguish it from fear is an ongoing journey that helps me make better decisions and live a more fulfilling life. By paying attention to how my body feels, considering the long-term effects of my choices, seeking advice from others, and reflecting on past experiences, I can navigate the ups and downs of junior high with confidence and courage. Intuition is like a superpower that I can tap into whenever I need guidance, reminding me to listen to my heart and follow my dreams, even when fear tries to hold me back.
Additional tools for when you may be in crisis:
U.S. Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Ohio Mobile Response and Stabilization Services: 1-888-418-MRSS (6777)