Julie Powell, author of the best selling book Julie and Julia, shared her success story at the Missoula Businesswomens Network’s Fifth Women’s Symposium last Saturday, February 20, 2010. Julie candidly told the 400 women who attended the luncheon she did not develop nor follow a business plan to write her best selling novel which was then made into a movie starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. She pointed out how both chance and perfect timing played a major role in finding her voice as a writer. Julie contributed her success to listening to “the wisdom of her little voice.”  She said, “The crazier your ‘little voice’ is, the more you want to listen.”

Do you listen to your “little voice?”  Or do you ignore, over-rule and discount what your “little voice” tells you, based on whether you agree or not?

One of my blessings acquired from living with a brain injury was tuning in to hear my “little voice.” Previous to my brain injury, I depended on my brain to be my primary intelligence. The first four years after my brain injury, operating within a two-hour window of intelligent thinking each day before metamorphosing to my dazed and confused self, my “little voice” took over when my cognitive brain fizzled out. Even when my “little voice” prompted me to do something that sounded crazy, and based on my husband’s frequent reactions must have, I listened to my “little voice” and felt inspired do whatever I heard.

Why? Some of the same that Julie Powell said…chance and perfect timing. Once my brain battery fizzled out, logic and reason faded, fear and judgment dissipated.  Since my brain was not able to interfere,  I listened and heard my ”little voice.”  I learned to trust and rely on my “little voice.” Over the years, my “little voice” has guided and directed, corrected, comforted, protected and blessed me.

Guess what? My “little voice” turned out to be far wiser (insightful), creative and daring than my logical brain. Since my brain injury I’ve developed other synergistic intelligences, too. The “knowing of my heart,” my “gut feelings,” my ability to sense other’s emotions, an awareness that Angels are present to help me, all of which more than compensate for my cognitive deficits.

As I regained my cognitive abilities, I’ve allowed my logical intelligence to discount, ignore or over-rule my intuitive intelligences on occasion, regrettably. The perfect combination is when my “little voice” and logical brain team up to form a dynamic duo. Sometimes it feels like a duel. It’s been twenty years since my “little voice” prompted me through the course of my day when my cognitive brain fizzled out. My “little voice” still prompts me through my day, extending my cognitive abilities and presents me with creative and bold ideas – my husband still groans.

Whenever I find myself shifting back to old patterns I have to remind myself:
Your brain was not designed to handle the busyness that exists in today’s world. Your brain is responsible for operating every function in your body. It seems unfair to rely on your brain do the majority of your thinking and make critical decisions, too. The answers and guidance you want and need reside deep within you. All you have to do is ask and then … “listen to the wisdom of your little voice.”