Simple & Small Ways to Start Connecting with Your Intuition

How to Connect with Your Intuition

If you haven’t read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, let me start by saying: you should. It’s one of my favorite books—and the kind that stays with you long after you turn the final page. It’s a story that beautifully illuminates how, when we follow the vision in our heads and the opportunities that present themselves to us, it will eventually lead to that vision—albeit in ways we can’t predict. Life has a way of working like that, and the story reminds us to trust the process, even when the path seems unclear.

What struck me recently, though, is how we often think this idea of following our intuition applies only to the big decisions: Should I quit my job? Should I end this relationship? Should I move across the country or travel the world? But what I’ve come to realize is that intuition often presents itself in much smaller, quieter ways—ways that can lead to some of the biggest breakthroughs if we’re willing to listen.

In this week (Week 2 of my year-long experiment to get out of my way and start taking action toward my biggest goals), I had a few experiences that showed me exactly what it looks like to follow those small intuitive nudges. They’ve reminded me how powerful and transformative this practice can be, even when the steps seem insignificant at first. So keep reading to find out how to connect with your intuition (in much smaller & easier ways than you’d expect)!

Small Ways to Get in Touch with Your Intuition

1. Pay Attention to What’s Calling to You

Over the past several weeks, I’ve had these strong intuitive “pings” to read certain books. It started with Know My Name by Chanel Miller, a memoir about her experience with sexual assault, the trial that followed, and her journey of healing. As someone who has dealt with the trauma of sexual assault and the subsequent depression for many years, I’ve finally reached a place where I’m doing much better. So, at first, I was confused as to why I felt the need to suddenly immerse myself in stories about sexual assault.

Then came the next nudge: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. If you’ve read it, you know it’s a powerful novel about a young girl finding her voice after experiencing assault. Following these pings, even when they didn’t seem logical at first, eventually led to deeper insights about myself.

So even if it doesn’t make sense – especially when it doesn’t make sense – think about if there are little things (hobbies to try or reconnect with, a person to reach out to, a break or self-care practice to make time for) that you’ve felt the need to do. And then do it!

Note on this: sometimes when we feel called to do something, that’s when our voice of doubt comes on really strong. If this is happening, take it as a sign that you’re moving in the right direction instead of listening to it.

2. Reflect and Journal

Reading these books inspired me to start writing about what I remembered from that time in my life—the events, the people, the feelings. At first, I had no idea why I felt compelled to do this. But I listened to the nudge and gave myself the space to write.

Journaling doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply set a timer for 10 minutes and write whatever comes to mind without censorship. Don’t overthink it—this practice can help you tune into what’s just below the surface.

Something that’s been helping me allow things to the surface lately has been mindful silence. For example, normally I do a guided meditation each morning, but recently I felt the need to sit in silence and just read. And – this led to way more ideas and downloads coming through that I naturally started journaling about right away. If you struggle to be still and in silence, this could be a sign that something wants to come through, so give it the space to!

3. Notice and Address What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You

While I was reading Speak and journaling, I noticed something else: I was having trouble sleeping, my jaw was constantly tight, and I felt this deep inner discomfort that I couldn’t quite place. Instead of ignoring it, I turned to a practice that has often helped me tune into my body in the past: hypnobreathwork. It’s a combination of breathwork and hypnosis designed to release stored emotions and allow clarity to emerge.

It doesn’t have to be through hypnobreathwork, but whatever you like to do to connect with your body and find out what’s going on beneath the surface. Any mindfulness practice—like deep breathing or a short meditation—can be a great first step. Often, intuition gets drowned out by stress and overwhelm, and especially that mean or doubtful voice in our heads. Calming your mind can help those inner whispers become clearer.

4. Trust the Process and Take Action

During my hypnobreathwork session, I had a huge breakthrough. I reconnected with my past self—the version of me who was struggling after being sexually assaulted. And instead of feeling shame or anger, I felt an immense sense of pride. Pride in her strength, her resilience, and her refusal to stay silent. She survived. She endured. And she paved the way for the person I am today.

Not only was this a huge personal breakthrough, but it came through just as I’ve been preparing to launch a podcast and figuring out how to share my story. By following these pings, I was able to tune in and realized that part of me needed to be heard and included in the podcast as well.

This realization didn’t happen by accident—it came from trusting those small nudges to read, reflect, and release. Following your intuition might not always make sense in the moment, but each step builds on the last, leading you toward greater clarity and understanding.

Practical Tips to Start Listening to Your Intuition

• Start small: Pay attention to the little things that pique your interest or make you curious.

• Create quiet moments: Spend time in stillness each day to tune into your inner voice.

• Follow through: Even if a nudge feels insignificant or silly, act on it—you never know where it might lead.

• Reflect regularly: Keep a journal to document what you’re noticing and feeling as you listen to your intuition.

Final Tips & Thoughts

I hope this story and these steps encourage you to start connecting with your intuition and your inner voice. People talk about intuition a lot in the self-development journey, and for a long time I felt so disconnected from mine and had no idea where to start. So I hope this helps you get started if you’re feeling the same way. Just know that it starts small and snowballs into bigger and bigger insights and opportunities with time and practice!

I believe in you and in your journey. Even if you can’t see it now, everything is coming together for you. Trust the process, follow those pings, and watch as the path unfolds in ways you never could have imagined.

For more insights like this and up-to-date info about my year-long experiment to check out my Instagram and Tik Tok accounts. And check out this blog post to see how Week 1 went and learn about setting up your own experiment to change your life.