5 Life Lessons: #1

By Jeanne

I wrote a letter to my son as part of his high school’s graduation traditions. We collected letters from friends and families and the school gave the letters to him just before graduation. My letter is my advice to him about life in general. I won’t share the exact words, because those words are for him, but I think the key lessons are meaningful to everyone.

Lesson 1: Follow your instincts. That feeling in the pit of your stomach? Pay attention to it. Feel a prickle in the back of your neck? Act on that instinct. Your brain is wired to protect you in times of danger – let it. You have the ability to sense danger before all of your senses perceive it. You have the ability to sense when something is wrong, out of place. You are capable of sensing when someone is lying, you just need to “listen” to those cues your brain is sending. Paying attention will help you hone that collection of senses to be even more effective.

Think about it. When have you had that weird feeling, acted on it, and were right to do so? I can think of several moments. Driving down the highway during a heavy snow, looking over at the car next to me, and thinking, “She’s about to lose control.” I sped up slightly just as the other driver swerved, did a 360 and missed me by inches. If I hadn’t acted on that instinct, I would not be writing this today. Or the time when my roommate was hanging out with a dude who gave me the creeps. I found him peeking in my window. Yuck. He really was a creep.

Have you ever gone against your gut, only to find that it was a big mistake? I have. Pertinent especially to my early relationships, I let things go on too long and that made things worse in the long run. When I couldn’t see a future, I should have cut and run. I knew better. I learned and acted with better judgement the next time.

So, this lesson? You have a Spidey sense. Use it.