Listen to Your Gut!
I have often heard and used the phrase "listen to your gut" over the years, used as advice to trust one's intuition and make a decision based on knowing what is best for oneself based on past experience, knowledge, and instinct.
Living with a cancer that is a neuroendocrine cancer, which likely originated decades ago in my small intestines and symptomatically affects my digestive system most often, the phrase now has become a rather awkward, sick joke. That is the irony of life, sometimes.
Though I will not repeat what I wrote this morning in my blog (you can read it for yourself, if you like)-- Beyond the Challenges of Life --it is important for me to say this:
We MUST absolutely start developing a better sense of intuition when it comes to our own bodies, minds, emotions, and well-being. Yet, that is NOT enough! We must then ACT upon it.
We are too busy too often to take care of ourselves, or we feel guilty for doing so, as we spend the lion's share of our lives living for others and taking care of everyone else's needs. We have to let go of that idea and become proactive in our lives.
It is time to face your fears and listen to your gut!
Image Credit » http://pixabay.com/en/zebra-animal-stripes-687104/ by ligiera
Comments
Kasman wrote on June 15, 2015, 4:20 PM
I have found that my wife has great intuition over many things and if she has a 'gut feeling' about something it is usually correct.
MegL wrote on June 15, 2015, 4:25 PM
That's very true. I can't apply it exactly to my digestion but often I have a gut feeling that I need to do a regular job earlier than usual. If I don't, I sometimes find that something happens that prevents me doing it, whereas it would have got done if I had listened to my gut.
CoralLevang wrote on June 15, 2015, 4:39 PM
Given my medical condition, it certainly puts new meaning to the phrase, though I have often been very intuitive throughout my life. I haven't always listened.
CoralLevang wrote on June 15, 2015, 4:39 PM
Intuitiveness is something that many of us have, but often ignore for various reasons.
inertia4 wrote on June 15, 2015, 8:48 PM
CoralLevang I never listen to my body. Well, mostly never do. I usually wait until something is severe before going to a doctor. I was never proactive with doctor visits. Despite everyone telling to go for check ups. I know I should be more proactive, but depression has me down to the point I don't really care.
DWDavisRSL wrote on June 15, 2015, 9:30 PM
I am guilty of putting off until absolutely necessary, as in I can't function any longer, going to the doctor. For example, by the time I went to the orthopedist about my hip all he could tell me was that I would eventually be needing a new one.
morilla wrote on June 15, 2015, 9:48 PM
It's not so much about developing better 'intuition' as it is being willing or able to listen to and act upon it. Sometimes, things come as a 'surprise' to everyone because the body didn't necessarily give off the signals that it was THAT bad or you were THAT vulnerable. [Then again, it could just be the chili you had last night.
] But, it goes back to the idea that you can't take care of anyone else if you don't first take care of yourself. While it may sound 'selfish' to some, it's also an axiom which your body or Nature or both will remind you of if you choose to ignore it.
MegL wrote on June 15, 2015, 11:54 PM
inertia4 depression is like that. One thing that can help is developing habits that keep you going so you can get over the bad bits. One good habit is to use a calendar and schedule regular appointments well ahead of time. It could be for hair cuts, dentist visits etc. But it can also be reminders. I schedule regular reminders on my sister in law's calendar about taking her weekly medicine. I also schedule monthly reminders for myself about getting more credit on my cell phone - it's pay as you go. Why not schedule regular reminders to book a docto's appointment?
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 12:35 AM
I am learning to be better about not being "John Wayne," knowing that when I have an issue with new tumors, it could cost me my life, if I put it off.
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 12:38 AM
inertia4 Oh, I understand depression, my friend. But, as much as I think I don't really care, I do. I also realize that I need to reach out more often and find others who are there to support me. I don't want to be a downer, so I surround myself with positive people who understand me, and then hold me to looking at life about what CAN I do. And I do what I can with them. It was hard for me to change, and I still have my moments, but I'm much more honest about them and ask for the help.
Hugs to you.
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 12:40 AM
*nods* morilla It's not always an easy lesson to learn. I had a friend from the Navy (now deceased) who used to tell me, "Growing old ain't for sissies!" Oh, how I miss him!
valmnz wrote on June 16, 2015, 1:34 AM
I think we all get better at being proactive as we get older. I have rebellious eyes and I definitely run to the specialist if I'm concerned. How are you today?
CoralLevang wrote on June 16, 2015, 1:53 AM
Actually, am doing well today, and even took a nice long hour walk, though not fast. Probably put in about 2.5 miles.
DWDavisRSL wrote on June 16, 2015, 5:25 PM
You have a very powerful incentive. Another thing I am having to learn is to gracefully accept help when it is offered, even if I don't think I need it.
inertia4 wrote on June 16, 2015, 7:05 PM
MegL That all sounds good. But I don't even look at my calendar. I can put those appointments on my phone or computer as a reminder. I know I need to keep moving. Although I have not been very productive in that area lately. I have slowed down a lot from a few years ago.
inertia4 wrote on June 16, 2015, 7:07 PM
CoralLevang Well, I care also. The thing is that I don't think about them at all. Therefore I have no time to care. In my mind that is. Positive people, well, not much of that around me, believe me. I deal with mostly negative issues all the time. With my kids, the ex, the girlfriend and the family. Like I am in a prison.