Tell Me How To Strengthen My Instincts…..

Do you trust your instincts?

Sometimes.

I feel too often I unfortunately second guess myself. And then I learn the hard way or whatever it is just takes longer than what it possibly could have been.

But then again, I trust myself the next time I feel that feeling.

I feel like our instincts are becoming harder to understand and recognize because of all the stimulations and distractions.

It’s becoming more noisy and chaotic—this world we live. We’re loosing touch of these gifts.

Our instincts aren’t quick enough for us.

We begin to rely on other resources, than the actual gift of instincts that each of us humans possess.

The question should be,

How do we strengthen our instincts?

Skip The Short Cut, Take The Long Drive

You notice with age we seem to always be in a rush. And for what? Why are us grown-ups always rushing? It’s like we think something catastrophic will happen if we’re “not on time.” We’re so consumed with getting to the next thing that we barely savor where we are.

For a while, I kept catching myself saying, “real fast.”

“Let me do the dishes real fast.”

“I gotta go to the bathroom real fast.”

“Let me make this call real fast.”

“Let me eat this real fast.”

Why? Why am I rushing everything “real fast” all the time? It’s like I was stuck in a loop—accomplish one task, move to the next, repeat. We have so much to do, but are we really living while we do it?

The truth is, we lack patience. How do you truly embrace and enjoy the ending of a book, a movie, or a show if you just skipped through the whole thing? Life is the same way. It’s an experience meant to be lived fully, not hurried through. The so-called “boring parts” or long highways of life are what make the destination that much sweeter.

So take your time. Let the journey unfold naturally. It’s not about how quickly you get there; it’s about how much of the road you let yourself feel along the way.

Most People Are More Concerned About Themselves Than They Are About You

In other words, stop worrying so much about what others think. Truthfully, they don’t care nearly as much as you imagine.

How often do we hold ourselves back because we’re afraid of others’ perceptions? Too often.

But here’s the thing: people are busy living their own lives. They’re caught up in their own thoughts, insecurities, and struggles. They don’t have the time or energy to analyze every little thing you do. So why let the fear of their judgment hold you back?

Try, fail, learn, and grow. That’s the cycle of life. And if you’re constantly worrying about what others might think, you’ll never move forward. You’ll stay stuck, and that fear will steal your potential.

Remember this: your life is yours to live. The opinions of others are fleeting, but the opportunities you seize—or let pass—will define your journey. Stop holding back. Trust yourself and take the leap.

Are You Angry?

“Anger is like a child—you don’t want to let them drive the car, but you also don’t want to stuff them in the trunk.”

Anger can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools, we can learn to manage it with grace:

• Breathe. Stop and take a deep breath. This creates space between you and your reaction.

• Name it. Acknowledge your feelings: “I feel angry.” “I feel tension.” Naming emotions helps diminish their intensity.

• Do it differently. Try shifting your perspective. Say, “I’m hurting. How can I be kinder to myself and those around me?”

• Inquire. Anger often carries a message. With curiosity, ask yourself, “What is my anger trying to tell me? What action do I need to take? What am I avoiding or unwilling to face?”

This practice has been a lesson for me, especially as a parent. I’ve been guilty of brushing off my children’s feelings, saying things like, “It’s not that big of a deal,” or “Why are you so upset?” But I’ve realized these moments are opportunities—to help me better understand not only my children but also myself.

Dear anger, you’re not as crazy as I thought—you’re just trying to help me see something I’ve been missing.

Give More Compliments

Sometimes people just need to hear something kind. And that compliment you give might influence them in ways you can’t even imagine.

My mom is the perfect example of this. She compliments everyone, everywhere we go. Whether it’s the cashier at the grocery store, a stranger in the elevator, or the waiter at a restaurant, she always finds something to acknowledge. One day I asked her, “Do you always compliment people?” and she said, “Yes, it makes them smile.” And she’s right—her words light up their faces every time.

Think about how you feel when you receive a compliment. The way it lifts your spirits or leaves a warm impression long after it’s been said. Maybe you even remember a compliment you received years ago, one that made you feel truly seen or appreciated. That’s the power of kind words—they stick with us.

We often think nice things about others but keep them to ourselves. Why not share them? Tell someone they’re doing a great job. Compliment their outfit, their smile, or their energy. Recognize the effort they put into something, even if it’s small. You never know what someone might be going through or how much your words could mean to them.

The beauty of compliments is that they cost nothing, but their value is immeasurable. So, give them freely and often. You might just make someone’s day—or even their week.

Sometimes You Gotta Get Through Your Fear To See The Beauty On The Other Side

This quote came from the movie, The Good Dinosaur. I was watching it with my children when I heard this line from the Father Dinosaur and I just thought, how profound!

Fear can feel like a towering wall, separating us from the joy, peace, or growth that lies on the other side. It whispers that we’re not strong enough, that we’ll fail, or that the unknown isn’t worth the risk. But the truth is, fear is often the guardian of the most beautiful experiences.

Think about the times you’ve been afraid—whether it was starting something new, facing an unexpected challenge, or stepping out of your comfort zone. Once you pushed through the fear, didn’t you find something valuable on the other side? Maybe it was a lesson, a deeper sense of self, or even a breathtaking moment you would have missed if you hadn’t been brave enough to try.

Fear isn’t the enemy; it’s a signal that you’re growing, stretching, and evolving. So the next time you’re faced with something scary, remember this: the beauty on the other side is worth it. Take a deep breath, gather your courage, and keep going. You’ll be amazed at what’s waiting for you when you push through.

The Future Is Uncertain

The truth is, nobody knows the future. Life has a way of reminding us of this through unexpected twists and turns, cultivating surreal moments that catch us off guard.

But isn’t this exactly how we’d want it? Alan Watts once suggested that if we could dream any life we wanted, we’d start by fulfilling every desire and experiencing endless pleasure. Yet eventually, we’d crave surprise and risk. Finally, we’d choose the life we’re living now—filled with uncertainty and the thrill of the unknown.

Life is uncertain, and that’s its beauty. It invites us to appreciate each day as it comes, embracing what we don’t know with open hearts. So welcome every sunrise with gratitude and grace, and trust that the uncertainty of today holds the magic of possibility.

Magnetic Type Of Impression

What’s the first impression you want to give people?

Hmm….how do I say this without sounding vain.

I want people that meet me to feel a type of magnetic pull. A positive one of course.

Like, have you ever met someone where you are just drawn to them instantly. It’s their energy. It undoubtedly is magnetic!

It’s uplifting, warm, fun, contagious. Like, you want to be their friend because they make you feel something! Or maybe they say something…….they make you ponder. I love people like that.

This is the kind of impression I would love to leave with people.

Truthfully I don’t know that I’m that energy, but this is a type of first impression I would want.

Do you guys know what I’m talking about?

You Have To Work Hard For The Things You Want

This sounds like common sense, doesn’t it? We want things. We want so much. We want success, growth, purpose, and to make a difference. But many of us don’t want to put in the work. Or, we give up because we lack discipline and patience. The struggle is real, especially when we don’t see results right away.

Consistency is key. It’s vital to remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing. Knowing your “why” provides the fuel and motivation to push through challenges. It anchors you when the process feels long or the results seem far off. The truth is, the struggles can be hard and discouraging. But remember: hard work produces great fruit.

The greatest things in life are worked for, not handed to us. When we invest our time, energy, and dedication, we cultivate something truly meaningful—something we can fully appreciate because we’ve earned it. So, whatever it is you’re working toward, don’t give up. Stay the course. The effort is not just about achieving the end goal; it’s about becoming the person who can rise to the challenge, again and again.

Family, Friends, Community

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

If I decided to move just for scenic views I feel eventually I’d become very lonely.

I’ve moved around numerous times, and most of my moves were not my choice.

When I was younger my mother was married to a man in the military. I went to 4 schools in the 4th grade. I even had to move my senior year of high school!

I craved a home. I craved stability.

Where I live now I’ve been here for almost 20 years! That’s so wild to me.

Not in the same exact home but same area you could say.

I especially love where I live now. On some land, in the suburbs with my beautiful family.

But what’s most important is the not scenery. It’s family, friends, and community. One hundred percent.

Would it be amazing to live near the ocean or on the river or by a lake…. YES! Absolutely!

But what’s good with that scenario if you don’t have anyone close to share it with.

If you’ve got family near you, great friendships, and an amazing community then I believe where you live may be someplace you actually want to be.

And if none of that is near you, then go back to that. Go back.