The Gift of Fear
The Survival Instinct: Why Trusting Your Gut Can Save Your Life
For decades, we’ve been taught to rely on logic and politeness, often at the expense of our gut instincts. But what if your intuition isn’t just a fleeting feeling? What if it’s a survival tool—one designed to protect you, guide you, and even save your life?
Gavin de Becker, author of the groundbreaking book The Gift of Fear, puts it plainly: “Intuition is always right in at least two important ways: It is always in response to something, and it always has your best interest at heart.” In this post, I want to explore the power of intuition as your ultimate guide—not just in life’s big decisions, but in the moments that matter most.
“Intuition is always right in at least two important ways: It is always in response to something, and it always has your best interest at heart.”
Your Sixth Sense: A Survival Tool in Disguise
Intuition often gets written off as "woo-woo" or unscientific, but in reality, it’s a finely honed survival instinct that humans have relied on for thousands of years. It’s the subconscious part of your brain processing subtle cues—body language, tone of voice, energy shifts, and patterns you might not even be aware of—and delivering the message through feelings.
Gavin de Becker’s research on violence and survival shows us just how powerful this sixth sense is. He discovered that almost every person who survived a violent attack or dangerous situation reported the same thing: they felt something was off before it happened.
The problem? Many of them ignored it.
Why We Ignore Our Intuition
From a young age, we’re taught to prioritize politeness, logic, and societal expectations.
“Be nice.”
“Don’t be rude.”
“You’re overreacting.”
These messages condition us to override our gut instincts, especially in situations where someone makes us feel uncomfortable. Women, in particular, are often socialized to ignore that feeling to avoid being perceived as "mean" or "hysterical."
But as de Becker points out, politeness can be a predator’s greatest ally. In his words, “Niceness does not equal goodness.” Feeling obligated to be "nice" can put us in harm’s way.
Teaching Intuition Over "Stranger Danger"
For years, we’ve taught children about "stranger danger," focusing on the external threat of unfamiliar people. But de Becker argues that this approach misses the mark. Instead, we should be teaching kids—and adults—to trust their gut, to recognize when a situation feels wrong, and to act on that feeling without hesitation.
Why? Because intuition isn’t random. It’s your brain and body processing millions of subtle signals and sending you a clear message: Pay attention.
Real-Life Examples of Intuition at Work
The "Off" Vibe:
A woman gets into an elevator with a man who seems polite and friendly, but something about his energy feels wrong. Her gut tells her to get out, but she brushes it off, thinking she’s being rude. This is how many attacks start: by dismissing the first warning.The Mother’s Instinct:
A mother suddenly feels uneasy about her child’s safety, despite no visible danger. Her intuition picks up on a subtle pattern—a silence, a change in behavior—that her conscious mind hasn’t yet registered. This is why so many stories of "mother’s intuition" exist: the gut always knows.The Avoided Catastrophe:
A man walking home at night feels the urge to cross the street, even though there’s no obvious threat. Moments later, something dangerous unfolds where he would’ve been. This "irrational" feeling is intuition processing subtle environmental cues—like shadows, pacing, or energy shifts.
How to Tune Into Your Intuition
Trusting your gut isn’t about being paranoid—it’s about recognizing the signals your body and mind are sending you and acting on them without hesitation. Here are some ways to strengthen your intuitive instincts:
Notice the Feeling:
Pay attention to that flutter in your stomach, that sinking feeling in your chest, or that persistent thought that says, “This isn’t right.”Stop Justifying:
If someone makes you uncomfortable or something feels off, you don’t need to explain it. Intuition doesn’t always come with a logical explanation—and it doesn’t have to.Practice Listening:
The more you trust your gut in small decisions, the stronger it will become. Whether it’s choosing who to spend time with or avoiding certain situations, intuition grows when it’s validated.Teach It to Kids (and Yourself):
Instead of teaching children to be "nice" or to follow "stranger danger" rules, teach them to trust their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to say no, walk away, or ask for help if something feels wrong—no matter who it is.
My Role in Helping You Trust Your Gut
As a psychic medium and intuitive guide, I’ve seen firsthand how many people feel stuck or lost because they’ve spent years ignoring their gut feelings. My role is to help you reconnect with this inner voice and trust the wisdom it holds.
In my readings, I tap into the energy and patterns you might not be seeing clearly. Together, we’ll uncover what your intuition is already telling you and align it with actionable steps to move forward confidently—whether it’s in love, career, or personal growth.
Trusting Your Gut Is the Ultimate Self-Defense
Your intuition is always working in your best interest. It doesn’t rely on politeness or logic; it’s designed to guide, protect, and empower you.
As Gavin de Becker so powerfully reminds us, “No matter how inconvenient or irrational it may seem, your intuition is always in response to something.” The key is to stop ignoring it.
If you’re ready to reconnect with your intuition and trust your inner voice, I’m here to help. Book a session with me today, and let’s uncover the answers that have been waiting for you.
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