How a solo trip to Sedona allowed me to listen to my inner voice again.
It’s funny how we become so good at ignoring our inner voice. We get so caught up in the noise of the world. The should-dos, the expectations, and the endless stream of advice are overwhelming. They are so loud that we forget to listen to the quiet voice inside us. For a long time, I was an expert at tuning it out. I’d have a strong feeling, a deep sense of a path I needed to take. Then, I’d talk myself out of it. I wanted to trust my gut again.
This went on for years. I was in a constant state of second-guessing, over-analyzing, and putting way too much power on what others would do. That all changed a few years ago when I was winding down my time in Boston. I felt an undeniable pull, a deep-seated need to get away. Not just to a new place, but to a place that would help me reconnect with myself. I knew exactly where I had to go: Sedona.
I’d been on solo adventures before, but this one felt different. From the moment I arrived, the Red Rocks seemed to ground me. The gorgeous landscapes, beautiful blue skies, and powerful vortex of energy surrounded me. I spent my days hiking, sitting alone, and simply being in the quiet of the canyons. I had Reiki and visited a shaman. There was no one else’s schedule to follow, and no strict agenda to keep. It was just me, the desert, and the space to finally hear my own thoughts.
In those moments, I wasn’t looking for some big spiritual moment. I was just giving myself permission to listen. And what I heard was simple. My inner voice told me that I knew what was best for me all along. The trip wasn’t about finding some monumental meaning or becoming someone entirely new. It was about remembering what I already had inside of me. It was in those Sedona moments that I finally heard – and believed – my voice again.
This experience taught me that I didn’t have to overthink every decision, or ask everyone I knew for advice before making a move. It said that what my gut said was enough, and to start judging it less.
That journey to Sedona became a permanent reference point. Now, when the doubts creep in, I think of the peace of those canyons. I remember the confidence that came from choosing myself. It was the moment I stopped seeking outside permission and began following my own lead. It was the moment I truly started trusting my gut again.
But a solo trip across the country isn’t the only way to get in touch with your intuition. Maybe it’s taking a long walk through nature, or a day trip to a cute town nearby. Whatever it may be, try it – because your inner voice is ready to speak to you again.
What are some things that have you helped you listen to your gut? Share them with me!