Day 38: The answers are within. Time to listen.

The answers to all our questions and problems can appear to be all around us.  No end of people surround us to tell us the answers often offering solutions before we realise we have a problem!  Whether it is the promise of a flat belly in 30 days by following a particular regime or the answers to all our health issues promised to us by consuming the latest trending shakes diet!  We often bounce our problems off others; should we take that job, how do we approach a situation with our kids, do I wear the red dress or the green?!!  It can be helpful to share our problems with others but at the end of the day, the decisions are down to one person only and they are found within us.  

Advice of course can be sought from professionals in their area of specialty as they can give us their opinion and suggestions based on experience, knowledge and what has worked for others in similar situations but even then, the final decisions come down to us.       
Everything we need is within us.  That gut feeling is there guiding us.  It is difficult to hear what you are saying to yourself when every minute of every day is filled with activities, tasks, chores, appointments and commitments.  The only way to hear the answers is to take the time to listen.  Answers like the comfort of the still and quiet in order to present.  It can be easier said than done, but try turning off the phone, gadgets, media, lock yourself in your room for 5 minutes if you have children hanging off your leg and just sit.  Some people are great at meditating or can ask for guidance in prayer time but if you are like me and struggle to slow your thoughts, then just sit with your eyes shut and take a few deep breaths.  Then ask the question!  Take your first answer.  Don't question it!  The answer may be cryptic but it can be leading you to the answer!!  

I give an example of this when I was really in a dark place without really knowing what to do except live day to day.  Each day I asked "what do I need right now?".  Every time I heard the word "write".  It certainly wasn't the direct answer or the instructions I was seeking to get me out of my funk there and then which is why I ignored it daily until day 5 of asking I thought I should take notice as it was the only word that would come up for me!  It was the word that led me to journalling my thoughts, which led me to this fast!

Challenge:
* Ask yourself what questions you would like answered right now
* Find a comfortable space where you won't be interrupted for 5-10 mins
* Shut your eyes and take a few deep breaths until you feel yourself slow down
* Ask what it is you need right now
​* Listen to your first answer!