Looking for Clarity: Why "No" Might Be Your First Step
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." ~ Voltaire
Feeling like everyone else gets these clear, downloadable directions to life while you're stuck with a messy pile of "nos" and a whole lot of "not thats"? Welcome to the club!
For years, I was that person. I spent countless hours attending workshops, reading self-help books, and desperately seeking that elusive "a-ha" moment. Why wasn't I receiving the lightning-bolt moments of clarity everyone seemed to be having? I thought I was broken.
But then, something shifted as I deepened my menstrual cycle awareness practice. I started to pay attention to all those "nos" whispering in my ear. "This creative project doesn't feel right," one would say. "That public speaking topic sounds inauthentic," another would chime in. And instead of ignoring them or assuming I wasn’t doing it right, I decided to listen
It wasn't easy. The process of wading through doubt and resistance felt messy and frustrating. But slowly, a pattern emerged. Each "no" guided me one step closer to a resounding "yes." The "no" to that creative project led me to a new idea I'm truly passionate about. The "no" to that public speaking topic helped me refine my message into something that felt more aligned.
Here's the truth: those "nos" aren't roadblocks; they're stepping stones. They're a powerful form of discernment, helping you strip away what doesn't resonate to discover what truly does.
If you've been feeling like a "no" person, lost in a sea of uncertainty, here's why that "no" might be your first step towards figuring it all out:
1. Trusting the Process
It might feel slow and frustrating, but that initial resistance is often pointing you in the right direction. Learn to trust the discomfort as a signal that you're on your way to uncovering something important. Just like muscles get stronger when challenged, your intuition gets sharper the more you listen to it.
2. Enjoying the Exploration
The process of sifting through all those "nos" is actually a form of exploration. You're learning about what doesn't resonate with you, which ultimately helps you define what truly does. Think of it like weeding a garden. You have to remove unwanted plants to make space for the beautiful blooms you truly desire.
3. Celebrating the Small Wins
It's easy to get discouraged when clarity feels far off. But take heart! Every "no" you identify is a step closer to your ultimate "yes." Think of it like a sculptor chipping away at a block of stone. With each chip, the final masterpiece becomes a little clearer.
4. You Are Not Alone
If you're resonating with this, you're not the only one to discover truth through a process of discernment and stripping away. It's beautiful, messy, and uncomfortable, but it's our unique process. Of course, there are those who receive clarity first and then refine it through action and it's easy to think that the grass is greener on the other side. There's no right or wrong; it's about embracing your own journey.
5. Finding Strength in Discomfort
For a long time, I resisted this process, believing it meant I was broken. But the more I trust it, the less I resist it, and the more it supports me. We can learn to find strength and even a strange sort of comfort in the discomfort of exploration.
So, if you find yourself resonating with this, know this: You are not broken. Embrace those "nos"! They're not a sign of weakness, but a powerful signal about the direction not to take. This journey is messy, beautiful, and undeniably yours.
Feeling stuck in the 'no' phase? Let's chat about how to turn those 'nos' into stepping stones. Book a free chat about how we could work together.