Today I want to talk about something that is truly foundational—probably the most important tool in our toolbox for thriving, growing, and stepping more fully into the people–and mothers–we want to be.
This is the secret weapon for living an expansive life, even in the middle of all the chaos that comes with motherhood and just being alive at this moment in time. It’s the magic, the secret sauce. And here it is: listening inside for guidance.
What Does It Mean to Listen Inside?
We live in a world that’s constantly telling us what to do. Right now, even this blog is an example—I’m here sharing what I think is the most important thing for living the life you long for. But here’s the twist: my advice is that you listen to yourself.
It’s easy to get caught up looking outside for guidance. Social media, self-help books (and yes, I’m a self-help junkie), therapists, mentors, coaches, friends, partners—we turn to all of them because we want to get it right. And that’s okay! But sometimes, we’re so busy moving from one thing to the next that we don’t even think to slow down and listen inside.
Maybe we imagine we don’t have the time. We picture this ideal scenario: a quiet house, a lit candle, calming music in the background. And sure, if you’ve got the space for that, go for it! I love those moments myself. But on most days, life doesn’t allow for that kind of setup.
The good news? You don’t need it. You can practice listening inside anytime, anywhere. It’s about tuning in to your inner voice, your inner guidance—what I call your inner wisdom. This is the calm, steady place within you that’s rooted in what matters most, that isn’t caught up in fear or urgency. It’s a way to come back to yourself.
How Do You Listen Inside?
For some of you, this idea might already resonate. You’ve tapped into that wise, quiet voice before. For others, it might feel a little abstract, like, What are you even talking about?
Here’s how I define it: listening inside means connecting to the part of yourself that is whole, calm, and aligned with your values. For some, it might feel spiritual—a connection to God or a higher power. For others, it might simply be the part of you that knows what’s right, that can guide you through life’s noise and chaos.
If this feels unfamiliar, here’s an easy place to start: imagine your future, wise self—20 or 30 years older. Picture her, see her, and then ask her a question. What does she think? What would she tell you? That’s a quick way to tap into your inner wisdom.
Why Is Listening Inside So Important?
I believe we all have an innate connection to this inner wisdom. It’s part of the natural intelligence that’s baked into the universe. We see it in the way our bodies heal, in the way our kids grow from tiny cells into complex beings, and in the cycles of life around us. This intelligence is part of us, and it’s always there to guide us—if we make space to listen.
This practice matters not just for us but for our families and communities. When we’re guided by our inner wisdom, we’re modeling for our kids how to stay connected to themselves. We’re showing them how to make decisions from a place of authenticity and alignment. And we’re living in a way that contributes to the greater good.
Practical Ways to Listen Inside
Listening inside doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple ways to start:
- Pause and Ask
In the middle of your day, take a moment to breathe and check in. Ask yourself, What am I feeling right now? What do I need? You might be surprised by what comes up.
- Check in with Your Body
Before eating, pause and ask, What does my body want right now? It might be a fresh salad—or it might be chocolate ice cream. The point is to listen without judgment.
- Take a Walk
Go for a walk without music or distractions. Let your thoughts settle and see what comes up. Nature is a powerful place to connect with yourself.
- Use a Journal
Write down your thoughts or questions. Sometimes, the act of writing can bring clarity and help you connect to your inner voice.
Building Trust in Your Inner Wisdom
What if you feel like you can’t trust your inner voice? Maybe it’s led you astray before, or maybe fear and anxiety are so loud that you can’t tell what’s what. That’s okay. Inner wisdom isn’t always about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to slow down, tune in, and sit with what’s there.
If fear or anxiety are clouding things, try naming them. Say to yourself, I see you, fear. I hear you. Then gently set them aside and reconnect to your inner wisdom. Sometimes, you might need to process emotions first—through journaling, crying, movement, or talking to someone you trust. Once those feelings clear, your inner wisdom can shine through more clearly.
The Power of Listening Inside
Listening inside isn’t about finding perfect solutions or fixing everything at once. Sometimes, it’s just about figuring out the next right step. It’s like driving in fog: you can’t see far ahead, but you can see enough to keep moving forward.
This practice is central to living a thriving, regenerative life. It helps us stay connected to what matters, make decisions that align with our deepest values, and show up fully for ourselves, our families, and the world.
So as you go about your day, take a moment to pause. Breathe. Ask your inner wisdom: What do I need right now? Start small, and trust that your inner guidance will lead you where you need to go.