Day 02 | DISCERN
di-ˈsərn |verb: to detect with the eyes or senses other than vision
Yesterday, you established your foundation by defining your "why" and committing to showing up. Today, we shift our focus inward to the quietest, most truthful part of yourself: your intuition.
Intuition is an internal, subtle, and powerful force. Honing your intuition allows you to stop seeking external validation. Your intuition encourages you to listen to the knowledge you already possess. This inner voice is what allows you to discern between what truly serves your spirit and the things that are merely distractions, especially during the busy holiday season.
Your intuition is your built-in lie detector. It tells you when a commitment is too much, when your energy is depleted, or when you need a quiet moment, even if your calendar screams otherwise. The challenge today is clearing enough mental space to hear that voice clearly. How do you do that? You create space. You create silence. You give your inner voice space to get a bit louder. Turn down the external noise—the notifications, the excessive planning, the need to please everyone.
Take seven to ten minutes and just sit. Take some deep breaths. Observe what thoughts and feelings arise naturally. Do not judge them; just note them instead.
This daily practice of checking in helps you discern where your resources (time, money, energy) should actually go to honor the intention you set yesterday. Try to identify what feels good and genuine versus what feels heavy and obligatory. The heavy and obligatory can be a bit tricky. Take a second, see if there's a way to lighten that load. Can you reframe your thinking a bit to make them lighter? How would you do that?
Trust that you know the answers. You know what you truly need today. Your commitment today is to spend focused time connecting with that inner wisdom. Show up, tune in, and let your intuition guide your next move.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
- What current obligation or social demand causes a negative gut reaction for you? What is your intuition trying to tell you? What would happen if you listened to your gut? What if you don't?
- If your gut were in the driver's seat, what would it say about maintaining your well-being right now? What is your gut telling you about navigating the holidays?
- Let's try a little discernment practice. Identify a recent decision where you ignored your inner voice. What was the consequence, and how will you discern differently next time?
THE GIFT
Today's gift is a bookshelf sign by The Smutty Book Market. Alyssa, the owner, is one of the sweetest local bookish makers I've met. When I first saw her customizable shelf signs, I knew I wanted them for the bookish advent and 12 days of Bookish Christmas boxes.
In December, I always set aside a shelf of hopefuls for the following year. This sign designates that shelf for me. In the paper there are two little pieces, those are the feet that snap on to help it stand up. There's also a bookmark and a business card (sticker) to help you find The Smutty Book Market on Etsy.