We all have the “Uh-Oh!” response. We’ve had it for a very long time, not forever – but at least as long as we can remember. It’s that thing inside of us that makes us pause – not wanting to talk to that stranger, go out that door, keep dating that familiar, yet strange, man in front of us…
Today I enjoyed a meeting with two long time friends that are teaching an intuition into self-confidence class for teens at the local public library. I instantly thought of little kids and their uh-oh response and what we can do to honor it so that our teens grow up owning and listening to their intuitions and grow into young adults who trust their internal guiding compass…
The best example I have for this is with little kids and giving hugs. We seem to think that they need to go and give grandmas/uncles/friends hugs when they see them – some days they want to, some days they don’t. When they don’t, let them have their don’t. Let them honor their little person “uh-oh” and hug on their own terms.
What if you honored your uh-oh too? Trusted your gut more than random and external influences? What if you were willing to look a little silly for the sake of honoring that voice, that knowing inside of you? What would be different?
Where do you already honor your intuition? Where do you need to step it up for the pure sake of becoming more trustworthy with yourself?
I’d love to read your comments below, thanks!
Caryn
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I read another article on this concept recently and totally agree! All so often, kids are taught to show respect to their elders by hugging and kissing them, to the point of expectation. We are responsible for our children’s development, but we do not own or control their bodies. If we teach them that they need to show physical affection in order to gain someone’s acceptance or avoid hurt feelings, that is a lesson that could have far reaching effects later in life when they start becoming physical with friends. I think it is incredibly valuable to let children interact with family and friends in a way that is comfortable for them, even if it is at the risk of hurting someone’s feelings.
Thanks for weighing in Brie! I agree, “even if it is at the risk of hurting someone’s feelings.” It is our job to take care of ourselves and of our children.
Caryn