How many times have you heard someone tell you, “You’ll know…”? This may refer to a romantic partner, a project, or even the passing of an animal.
At the end of August, our 20+ year-old kitty, Hana, wasn’t feeling well. We did the recommended treatment, but within 2 weeks her health declined significantly. Since I was so emotionally invested in keeping Hana comfortable, I constantly wondered, “Is it time to let her go?”
I’m an animal communicator and the animals have told me repeatedly they plan their transitions. Even though I know this, and kept reminding myself of this, I was concerned I was missing a critical piece of information and I wouldn’t know when it was time to let her go.
As I sat vigil with Hana, I thought about the passing of our other pets and recalled going through this same process. Each time, there was a point where I knew the time was right. This was no different, the saying, “You’ll know…” was very true. I knew. Then, Hana confirmed what I knew by letting us know without a doubt the time was right to say goodbye. We’re heartbroken and we know it was the best decision for her.
When I walked on the beach a few days later thinking about Hana and this statement, “You’ll know…”. I couldn’t help thinking about other times when this statement has also been true. For example, I recently decided to step away from a networking group I had been a member of for well over a decade. Each year when my membership came up for renewal, I questioned whether this was the best use of my time and energy to promote my business. This year, when I went through this process, I knew it was time to move on. Letting go of something that was so much a part of my life was unsettling and yet, I knew.
Honoring “You’ll know…” will often take you out of your comfort zone. It also requires trust in yourself and your intuition. I know personally, when my gut “knows” something, it’s usually
right on target. However, if I get too much into my head and let the analytical side of me talk 
me out of what I intuitively know to be true, the outcome usually isn’t great.
Do you trust what you know? Most people have a least one astounding story highlighting the outcome when they either trusted what they knew or didn’t trust it. For example, when I was traveling for business in Europe for the first time, I had a situation at a train station where I trusted what I knew. I am convinced my intuition saved me from having all my luggage stolen!
I believe intuition is like every other skill we have and the more you use it, the more you will trust it. How do you learn to trust yourself and your intuition? Here are some thoughts:
Experiment/Play with your intuition
It can be fun to play with your intuition when the stakes are low. For example, guess who is texting you before you look at the message. Keep track of when you’re correct and when you’re not. As you do this more and more, pay attention to what changes for you.
Spend some quiet time in nature
Allow yourself to breath in the fresh air and be present for a few moments. Then, ask yourself whatever question has been on your mind (e.g., should I move forward on a particular project). As you continue to enjoy your time outdoors, let go of the question. 
Once you’re back inside, ask yourself the question again and notice how it feels in your body (e.g., does your jaw tighten up). Keep track of how it feels in your body and what you instinctively knew after being in nature. Keep track of these results in a notebook or electronic file. Periodically look at this list to determine what patterns show up for you.
Take time several times a week to meditate
I feel one of the biggest benefits of doing this is to quiet your mind and body. This quiet will allow you to hear what your intuition wants you to know. There are many ways you can do this. For example, there are apps you can use, such as CALM or HeadSpace. Each of these can be customized to fit your lifestyle. When you’re grounded and calm, it is much easier to pay attention to your intuition. This will enable you to move forward with greater clarity.
Right about now you may be saying, “But I’m not intuitive” (or something similar). Everyone is intuitive. Some people have more experience trusting their intuition. As I said, it’s a skill, like any other skill that you can develop. If you approach the development of your intuition with a sense of curiosity and play, this can open you up to more opportunities where “You’ll know…” happens more frequently and without resistance.
“Learn to trust it, trust your intuition, and in good time, answers to all you seek to know will come, and the path will open before you.”
– Caroline Joy Adams
