Following Your Instincts

I had one of those surreal moments over the weekend where my gut was telling me one thing and I chose to do another. As you can imagine, my gut was right. Sometimes, I go against my instinct because I think that I am becoming complacent and I need to do something different. Usually, my instinct is right and my brain is wrong. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Apparently, I am insane.

It seems so easy to sit here now and say that I will always follow my instinct, but my brain doesn't comply. I have a tendency to analyze, think, and then logically decide. This analytical approach doesn't have a box that says "check with your instinct and then follow it". My logical brain does not recognize instinct as a scientifically proven approach to problem solving. So, I am forced to deal with the internal battle of logic and instinct. I am living my own dual personality and, seriously, one of me is enough!

How, then, do I reconcile this inner struggle? Awareness is the first step. I have realized in the past several months that I do have "gut feelings" or "instincts". And, now that I am aware, I can listen. The trick for me is understanding the difference in an initial reaction based on fear or years of training and a true gut feeling. There is a difference, but it is subtle. It's not the same for everyone and I can't describe it. I just have to go with it and see how it works out. Then, repeat.

I guess that is what life really boils down to - go with it, see how it works out, then repeat.

Do you follow your gut or do you let your brain talk you out of it? Where would you be if you did follow your instincts?



FYI - me on a Paso Fino. Hmmmm...the pants make all the difference