What’s the difference between listening to fear, your intuition and your ego? How do you know which inner voice to listen to? Is there a way to tell them apart?
-Love,
Flor Cruz / BadassMotherBirther
Ego and fear are two sides to the same coin. They’re both loud, both don’t hold reason in high regard, and both come from a place entrenched in the idea that things will certainly go a particular way. Your ego can prevent you from asking for help because you don’t want to appear weak. Just like fear would keep you from the same action, but for fear of losing esteem or affection. Your ego is prideful. Your fear is crippling. They both hold you back from choices that could benefit yourself. But how do you know when it’s one of these two and not your intuition speaking to you?
First: is it rational? Do you see this as something that uses facts or fear tactics? If it’s saying ridiculous outcomes will happen that aren’t based on reasoning, that isn’t intuition.
Second: is it upbuilding? Do you hear how this decision is beneficial for you and/or others, or do you hear only the negative outcomes? If you’re seeing the decision as a positive one, even if it’s against what you’d originally wanted, that’s more likely to be your intuition.
Third: does it hold water? Can you poke holes in the decision by thinking alternatively, while continuing to think of the positives?
For example: home birth. What is your reasoning on having or not having one? Can you answer the why’s honestly until you uncover the true reason? Home birth can be the right answer for many families, while still being the wrong one for others. Looking at your reasons why you choose certain things can help you decide for yourself what the driving force is behind your decisions.
In conclusion, when making decisions, don’t be afraid to deep dive into your why’s. The right answers may surprise you, or they may be exactly what you knew all along.
DoulaWise 