Intuition vs. Fear: How to Tell the Difference in Big Decisions

I was driving to the bank to sign some papers when I noticed a truck in front of me with its trailer door lifted wide open. The entire trailer was full of bread products, and it was clear the driver had no idea. Instantly, I felt a pull inside—move. I switched lanes to stay safe, but then he switched lanes too. I honked, waved, tried to get his attention, but nothing worked. When we hit a red light, I didn’t think twice. I jumped out of my still‑running car, door wide open, and banged on the side of his truck as I ran to his window. “Your trailer is open!” I shouted. He thanked me and pulled over to fix it.

Standing there, heart racing, I thought of my mom—how she always acted when someone needed help—and my coach who often says, “Make quick decisions.” Before 2021, I wasn’t that person. I overthought everything, ignored intuitive hits, and asked others for permission before acting. But in that moment, I saw how much I’d changed. I wasn’t driven by fear; I was guided by intuition, instinct, and responsibility.

I’m beginning to understand what my family always taught me: care for your community and trust the knowing inside you. During my last maternity leave, I learned to make fast, aligned decisions for my family by listening inward.

Intuition is the quiet voice that says, Go now. Fear stalls, doubts, and hesitates. When your inner knowing rises—trust it. Everything you need is already within you.