Hmm… what an interesting title. That is my first reaction as I “listen” to me. What do I mean by this? Well, one thing I have noticed is that sometimes we struggle with really hearing, listening, and paying attention to what “we” want.

With respect to health and wellness goals, for one, we do what our doctor tells us he needs us to do. We look to magazines, books, or fad diets for the latest and greatest ideas. We check out what our girlfriends or neighbors are into. We see a commercial on TV about the hippest exercise routine. We try all of these things out. But do we really want it? Do we pause to see if it is “us” that is saying “Yes”?

Part of being in the present moment is that it helps you to take note of your inner voice. Let’s say you are called by your nursing unit. “Hello Jane… We’ve had a call out on evening shift? We were wondering if you would be able to come in and help out.” Before you even realize the words are coming out of your mouth you are agreeing to it. “Sure, I can be in. Let me just make some calls and rearrange my schedule…” Poof! Like that you just agreed to work.

Did you think about it? Is it something you really want to do? Sure you “need” the money. Of course, it is the “right thing to do”… to help out the unit and be a “team-player”. But is it what YOU want? Is it what your inner self was saying “Yes” to?

So often we do things even when we do not want to. We do not check in, pause, and take the time to really hear ourselves. We just jump right in to help out. Or we are unsure of what we want. And so- we decide to say “Yes” because of our inner confusion.

A nurse comes up to you asking to switch weekends with him. He says he wants to go fishing with his friends. You are unsure if you really want to. You wanted to go to the art gallery this weekend, but know that it can also be done later in the month. So you aren’t sure. You just don’t know. He keeps asking and asking. He keeps “checking in”. “Can you do it? Can you do it?” He is driving you crazy! Since you are still unsure, feeling confused, unsettled… you hear yourself say “I guess so…”

And what happens when we do not listen to that inner voice? That higher self? We start to resent. We get angry. We get upset. We get irritated, mad, unhappy… unhealthy. That inner turmoil is not good for our well-being. It creates stress. It creates tension. And in the long run it creates disease.

Nurses, I beg of you… start pausing. Start listening to you. Start doing things because YOU want to. Don’t feel pressured into something. Don’t do it out of feeling guilty. Check in with you before you say “Yes” and make sure you really listen to yourself.

One way you can begin to practice this is by feeling your body. Notice what comes up when you are trying to make a decision. Take some time to sit in still and quiet. Focus only on your breathing. Relax. And when you reach that state of calm: then introduce the request. Does it make you tense up? Does it make you ache? Does something unsettling happen in your stomach?

Or does the request have you continue to breathe with ease? Are you still feeling calm? Is this a “Yes” in your heart? You will know the difference, intuitively, and you will be able to make decisions based on that.

But instead of rushing right in… listen to you. Notice how you feel. Check in with your body. And then make the right choice.

What are some other ways that you slow down and listen to yourself? What helps you focus, center, and ground? How do you ensure that you can hear your inner self?