Weekly Reflection: Intuition vs. Anxiety — Learning to Trust What We Already Know

This past week, I engaged in a meaningful conversation with a close friend that lingered with me long after we finished. It wasn't loud or dramatic — it was quiet, honest, and deeply familiar.

We discussed intuition, specifically how often women already know the truth but choose to suppress it. Over time, this suppression doesn't vanish; instead, it transforms into anxiety.

At one point, she paused and posed a question that felt incredibly real:

“How do you know if it’s intuition and not anxiety?”

It's a question I've asked myself many times, and one I believe many of us struggle with, especially during periods of uncertainty, transition, or emotional strain.

The Distinction Lies in Quality, Not Quantity

A common misunderstanding is that intuition and anxiety feel identical. They do not.

Intuition is calm, steady, and clear. It doesn't hurry you. It doesn't panic. It simply knows.

Anxiety is loud, repetitive, and urgent. It spirals. It catastrophizes. It pulls you into the future before you're grounded in the present.

Intuition typically appears once or twice, gently yet firmly. Anxiety appears on a loop, seeking reassurance and control.

Intuition whispers truth. Anxiety shouts fear.

And here’s the key insight from that discussion:👉 Anxiety often develops when intuition is ignored for too long.

Real Life Scenario #1: When a Friend Is Not Being Honest

Many of us have been through this.

You notice a change in a friendship — the dynamic shifts. Conversations become superficial. Words and actions don't completely match. Nothing explicitly wrong has occurred, yet something feels… off.

Your intuition quietly suggests:“This person isn’t being entirely truthful.”

Instead of heeding it, we rationalize:

• Maybe I’m overthinking.

• I don’t want to assume.

• I don’t want conflict.

  
  

So we ignore it.

Eventually, this suppression evolves into anxiety:

• Replaying conversations

• Questioning your responses

• Feeling uneasy before interactions

  
  

The anxiety wasn't the initial feeling. The ignored intuition was.

When we respect our intuition early on — by setting boundaries, asking for clarification, or simply allowing space — anxiety often fades before it can take hold.

Real Life Example #2: An Uncomfortable Work Scenario

This situation is quite common.

You find yourself in a position, project, or work setting that seems ideal on paper. There are no obvious issues. However, something internally feels off.

Your intuition suggests: “This isn’t sustainable.” or “This doesn’t align with who you’re becoming.”

Instead of heeding this, you push through. You convince yourself to be grateful. You ignore the internal signal.

Months later, anxiety manifests as:

• Sunday night dread

• Physical exhaustion

• Constant self-doubt

• Overthinking every decision

  
  

Once again — the anxiety isn’t the root. It’s the result of ignoring truth.

Intuition doesn’t always guide us to what’s easy. It shows us what’s honest.

So... How Can You Differentiate?

Here are a few gentle checkpoints I’ve learned to use:

• Intuition feels stable. Anxiety feels chaotic.

• Intuition provides clarity. Anxiety causes confusion.

• Intuition doesn’t require constant validation. Anxiety does.

• Intuition aligns with your values. Anxiety reacts to fear.

  
  

Intuition is often quiet — which is why it can be overlooked. Yet, it is deeply wise.

A Kind Reminder for This Week

If you've been experiencing anxiety recently, consider asking yourself:

• What truth have I been overlooking?

• What signal did I dismiss instead of acknowledging?

• Where do I already know the answer?

  
  

Learning to trust your intuition isn't about becoming fearless. It’s about becoming honest with yourself.

By listening sooner, anxiety doesn't have to shout louder later.

Intention for This Week

Take a moment before ignoring that inner feeling. Reflect on it. Pray about it. Write it down. Not every thought is intuitive, but true intuition brings peace, even if the truth is difficult.

Let us learn to trust what God has already instilled in us. And may we opt for awareness instead of avoidance, and truth rather than fear.