Knowing What You Want
Do you ever find yourself in this situation? Your friend or spouse suggests going out to eat, and you agree. But when they ask where you want to go, you draw a blank. You know you're hungry, but deciding what you actually want to eat feels frustratingly difficult.
Why is that? It's strange how we often know what we need - like money to pay the rent or air to breathe - but struggle to pinpoint what we want. This dilemma is something I've noticed not only in my own life, but also in my work as a coach. Many of my clients have a deep desire for something, yet they struggle to identify exactly what it is. They may want a new job, for example, but are unsure of the specifics, or they may be unhappy without knowing what would truly make them happy.
So why is it so challenging to know what we want? There are a multitude of reasons. Some of us have been raised in religious traditions that discourage trusting our hearts and desires, often misquoting passages like Jeremiah 17:9. Others have been conditioned to prioritize the needs and wants of others over their own, leading to a disconnection from their own desires. Some people even believe they don't deserve what they truly want, and therefore avoid acknowledging their own desires.
And let's not forget the pressures of society and parental expectations that can bury our true wants under a pile of "shoulds." It's no wonder we struggle to navigate our own desires.
No wonder we struggle to know what we really want!
Discovering the keys to connecting with our hearts and desires can be a transformative journey. Here are some practical and effective suggestions to guide you along the way:
Journaling: Unleash the power of self-reflection by putting pen to paper. By sorting through your thoughts and emotions, you can gain clarity and unlock hidden truths within yourself.
Seek guidance: Share your thoughts and aspirations with trusted individuals in your life, such as friends, family, or a coach. Through their unique perspectives, they can offer valuable insights and help you gain a fresh understanding of your desires.
Explore your values: Take a moment to consider what truly matters to you. Your core values act as guiding beacons, pointing you towards the right path. Don't know your core values? Discover them with my helpful Core Values Workbook.
Embrace mindfulness: Find stillness through practices like meditation. By quieting the noise around you, you can better tune into your inner voice and intuition, allowing your heart's whispers to be heard.
Embrace experimentation: Step outside of your comfort zone and try new activities. This adventure can be a joyful and enlightening way to uncover what truly brings you fulfillment and happiness.
Tap the power of AI: Check out Pi.ai/talk, a free, conversational AI. Tell Pi what you're struggling with and allow this mind-blowing technology to ask you perceptive questions to guide your thinking. I LOVE this resource!
While these strategies may not solve every problem or determine your dinner plans, they can shed enough light on your journey to take that vital next step. Embrace this empowering process and watch as your heart and desires align in perfect harmony.
