How often do you ignore your woman’s intuition? How many times have you said “if I had just trusted my gut I wouldn’t be here in this relationship, in this house, in this job or this circumstance!

Last Tuesday, I awoke at 4 am to prepare for a long drive back home. Something said lay back down everything will be okay. 

I was anxious to get on the road because I was scheduled to appear for a court hearing.

And at the same time I was running from some uncomfortable family triggers instead of managing that truth. 

Lo and behold, four hours into the drive, I ran into a massive snowstorm, lost control of my car, slid into a railing which removed my bumper.

With hindsight that bumper saved us from sliding farther and being in a worse scenario.

After making sure Zoë was okay and experiencing a total emotional breakdown about the situation — I called a sister friend of mine who helped me get settled into a nearby hotel.

Everything worked out as it always does but I can’t help but to admonish myself for ignoring my intuition ... yet again.

Why We Ignore Our Intuition

How was I groomed to ignore my intuition and intellectualize every situation? 

Part of it is just my personality -- I love learning and thinking. One of my favorite subjects is philosophy, especially critical thinking. I will read a book and tear it apart. 

But I have also been subjected to repeated trauma and abuse. Often my observations were unacknowledged and my fears, pains and even my joys were invalidated by people who were doing the best they could. 

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard the following in response to sharing my truth: 

Oh it’s not that bad.

• You are being dramatic.
• You are too sensitive, too emotional, too this or too that.
• God never gives you more than you can bear. 
• If nothing else you are strong.

When you share what’s in your heart and it’s repeatedly invalidated you in turn begin to do the same to yourself and trust the experience of others over your own voice.

And I did that. 

Occasionally, I still do it.

I got out of my heart and into my head and stayed there because it was safer.

If you look back over your own life I am sure that you also have had moments where the responses of others made you question what you knew to be true for you. 

Mothers who are dealing with depression or anxiety often have feelings and thoughts that are ignored which is a detriment to their mental health. 

And sadly, if you are a black woman it's highly likely that you will be told at least once by someone who sees you as a strong black woman  that you are exaggerating. 

Benefits of Cultivating the Practice of Listening to Your Intuition

Intuition protects us, guides us and is the reminder that there is something greater than our physicality and intellectual capabilities.

It heightens our awareness to dangers that are often intangible. 

It connects us to the Lioness we need to be when protecting our young.

Intuition shows us the path less chosen. 

Intuition reminds us that we are not alone. 

And it helps us ask for what we need and stand in our power.

And it tells us when to be still. 

How to Hear, Believe and Follow Through on Your Intuition ( for more show notes visit ThriveAfterPostpartum.com/4)