Look at the question to find the answer

And why this won't always work. But also: good ways to activate your intuition, which is what this is really about.

I saw a quote floating around Instagram saying ‘look at the question to find the answer’ and I had quite a few questions in my mind at the time, so I looked at them.

Only, I couldn’t find the answer.

One of my questions was: should I re-train as a primary school teacher?

I love children. They fill me with energy and positivity. I want to care for them, educate them and make them feel excited about going to school.

But also: I already have a job, as a writer.

And also: to re-train would mean studying - and working in schools, on placement - full-time for a year and spending £9000 on it.

I’d stop earning (which isn’t an option) and wouldn’t be around to get my own kids from school (also not an option, as I’m on my own with them mid-week).

However, it’s still on my mind. And so I wondered exactly how it was that I was supposed to find the answer in the question.

Then I realised this is about unlocking your intuition, which I wrote about in my last book, Raise your SQ, because it’s crucial and yet sometimes so hard to do.

In fact, my husband has developed an annoying habit when I say: what do you think we should do? (usually something related to the kids) and he says: what’s your gut saying?

In those moments, I often don’t know. That’s why I’m asking. When my body/mind have that wonderful connection and make the answer clear, I act on it.

I don’t check-in before making decisions - if I’m sure, I go for it.

But there are times, especially when asking the bigger work/life questions, when the signal isn’t so clear.

Here’s how to activate your intuition during those times…

These three simple exercises are designed to remind you that you do have the power to reconnect with your intuition.

1.     Scented candles

Go into a shop that sells scented candles. Pick up various candles and have a good old sniff.

Which one are you most drawn to?

There will probably be one that just feels like the right fit. And that’s because your intuition is guiding you to it.

Perhaps you’ll be more drawn to lavender, which is known to be a calming scent, if you’re feeling on-edge. Or a zingy citrus scent might catch your attention if you need a little lift. Maybe it will be an earthy aroma that draws you in, if you feel you need to be more grounded or connected to the earth.

Whatever one feels right to you, in that moment, is indeed the right one for you. Your body, mind and spirit are guiding you there. Trust yourself, and go with it.

2. Herbal teas

If you have herbal teas at home, open the draw or cupboard, and pull out a selection of teas. Open each box and take a good sniff of the teabags.

On the box it might say what the tea is good for (calming, relaxing, immune-boosting etc). But don’t bother with the box; follow your nose.

Once you’ve decided on the tea you’d like to drink, do check the box for what this tea is meant to help with. See if it aligns with what it is that you need right now.

3. Take a walk

Go on an unplanned solo walk, with no fixed destination. Step out of the door and choose left, right, straight ahead - depending on the options. Walk. Look up at the sky. Look at the road or path ahead. Look around you.

Where are you being drawn?

Why?

Follow you feet. Your heart. Your intuition.

Walk for as long as feels good.

Breathe in the air.

See what ideas land in your mind.

Turn back whenever you fancy it.

There are no rules; be guided by your inner knowing.

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And also: know that with big life decisions, you will often have some time to make a decision.

I don’t need to decide today whether I would, in fact, like to become a primary school teacher.

It’s not going to happen any time soon, if at all, so it’s something I can enjoy pondering and dreaming about rather than manically trying to pick apart.

I’d love to know:

• What are the questions playing over in your mind?

• How easy (or hard) do you find it to access your intuition?

• Are you a quick decision-maker, or slower?

• Which one question would you love an answer to, today?

• Who could you talk about this with?

Annie x

Ps. Do you have a dream that you’re certain you’d like to see come to fruition? You might like to join me on this course and I’ll help you to make it happen.