Instinct: Trusting the Voice Within

What does my soul want me to know?

You’re okay.
You’re safe.
You’re seen.
And while you may not feel entirely fulfilled, you are empowered.

That’s the heartbeat of my first book, Come Back Strong. It wasn’t just about returning from a setback. It was about reclaiming my power. It was learning to partner with doctors and holistic healers, to trust my body, and more importantly, to trust myself. To listen to my gut. My instinct.

More than ten years later, I’m still doing it.

When I felt myself slipping into burnout, I knew I needed a break. It wasn’t easy to ask for extended time off, but something deep inside said, “You need this. You’re worth this.” And I listened.

I found a therapist who supported me, who helped me find language for what I was experiencing. She was a bridge to healing, validating my exhaustion and my need for rest. And when my inner voice — soft, clear, and persistent — whispered, She’s no longer the one, I listened to that, too.

Instinct again.

When a post about a new acupuncturist caught my eye, something stirred. His practice was called Golden Crane. The synchronicity was impossible to ignore. I’ve always been drawn to herons and egrets. Cranes seemed like a close cousin. Spirit animals, messengers, companions. Without hesitation, I booked a session.

And I’m so glad I did.

He’s helped me heal in more ways than I expected, not just physically through the beauty of ancient Chinese medicine, but emotionally. He sees me. And he validates how far I’ve come. He can feel it in my pulse. He senses it in my energy.

That kind of deep recognition is rare. Sacred.

So, maybe I’m not fulfilled in every area of my life. But today, I choose to rest in the beauty of what is.

Jim. Our love is deep, true, and enduring.
Our home. Especially the outdoor space I’ve longed for is a sanctuary. Most mornings, you’ll find me there in the wee hours, cup in hand, heart open, witnessing the sacred miracle of sunrise.
Friendships. Some float in and out, but the connections are beautiful. Life-giving. Real.

I still long for peace. For water. For writing. And yet, I feel the flow of it already.

It’s coming.
It’s already here.
Be still.
Trust.
Know.
Believe.

Head or Heart?

How do we know which voice to follow?

The voice of the head often sounds urgent, panicked, sharp. It says, You should’ve. You missed your chance. You messed up. It drips with guilt, shame, and self-bullying.

The voice of the heart, the soul, the Spirit? That voice is quieter. Steadier. It says, You’re never alone. You’re right where you’re supposed to be. You are worthy. You are loved. You are seen. You are safe.

It’s the voice of instinct. Of Divine guidance. Of home.

It is the voice of truth. 

Years ago, I was on the phone with a coach I’d met at a health fair. They mentioned Conversations with God and told me they saw that same instinct in me. That style of divine dialogue. Channeling. Free-flow writing. Truth-telling straight from the source. Where I could tune in and listen to that still small voice, and write what my own heart and soul needed to hear.

Years later: It’s happening. The words that free-flow on to the paper? Feel inspired. Truthful. Reassuring. Reminding me I’m write where I need to be. And that everything has a perfect timing.

The words come when I let go of the need to filter or fix. When I allow the flow. When I trust the still, small voice that never leads me astray.

Time is irrelevant in this sacred space.
No deadlines. No pressure.
Just presence. Truth. Connection.

May this be a reminder, for you, and for me, that instinct is not a mystery. It is the steady drumbeat beneath our distractions. The gentle nudge toward our next right step. The deep knowing that guides us home to ourselves.

With love,
With gratitude,
With kindness,
—Lori

©2025 Lori Ann King