When I really take the time to listen to myself the answer is always there. I didn't used to listen to my inner voice. I would drown it out and do something anyway irregardless of whether or not I REALLY felt like or wanted to do it. For example, a very simple example... when the phone would ring, I'd always answer it. I'd carry on a conversation even if I wasn't in a talking mood or if I had some task I needed to accomplish. This changed when I called my girlfriend Danielle and she kindly excused herself from chatting since she wasn't really up for it at the moment. BAM... how liberating. How mature. How honest. I learned a valuable lesson. A simple yet empowering lesson. That was more than 10 years ago.
Today I took the time to listen to my inner voice. It said no, it's not the right time. I was in talks with a local entrepreneur about doing some work... I deemed it a great opportunity but found I was dragging my feet when pressed to follow through. I still have a lot of cancer crap ahead of me getting in the way of bringing my 'A' game to the table. I finally made the call to decline.
Saying no doesn't come easy. I've seen it over and over again with my female clients and girlfriends- it's like we are on auto pilot to say 'yes' even if we don't have the time or energy to swing it. We somehow feel guilty for saying no. We need to get over that... for the sakes or ourselves, our sanity, our families. I learned to replace 'yes' with "let me think about it". Then think, I would... ponder, process, and make an honest decision. My inner voice is smart, wise, and keeps me in check... just like Danielle.