Creating Space… To Hear Your Inner Wisdom

Leading With VOICCE® Series.

One of my favorite things to do is to write a letter to my past or future self. I once wrote a letter to 12-year-old me, and my heart felt like it was literally cracking open in my chest. As the words flowed across the page, so did my tears. I get a little emotional simply reliving that moment right now. 

I've done similar exercises where I've written a letter to my future self. I've thanked future me for the hard work, dedication, and perseverance. That has been powerful too, in a different way. 

What would you say to a younger version of you?

For myself, and many of the clients I have coached, one of the first things I often hear is - "I'm proud of you." There's something so tender about looking at ourselves in hindsight, and understanding the pain, struggle, or challenge with new eyes or new experience. 

There's a level of self-compassion that we feel when looking backward that can be really hard to access in the moment.

One of the other things I often hear is - "You are already enough." The older, wiser version of ourselves knows something that we struggle to understand in the present. 

I have a theory about why this experience feels so powerful. 

As an ambitious woman, I can say firsthand how hard it is to see beyond the moment I am in. And I'm always reaching for more. Many of my clients relate to this as well. When we step out of the moment and look backward, we have the benefit of a wider, wiser perspective. 

The other thing I truly believe is that the truth is always right there, inside of us. However, pressure creates noise, and noise has a way of distorting clarity. Once we put a few days, months, or years behind us, we remove the emotional weight of the pressure we are carrying, and that clarity becomes more accessible. 

Try This For Yourself

Take a moment to think about the person you were five years ago. 

What were your challenges? 

What kept you up at night? 

What pressure did you carry?

Now take a moment, take a deep breath or two, and ask yourself - "What did I need to hear five years ago?"

Sit with it, for just a moment. Take note, or even jot down any insight that arises. 

Now ask yourself this - "Do I still need that same message today?"

There's no right or wrong answer. Simply notice what comes up. 

The answers are already within us. Slowing down to go inward gives us the space to access our inner wisdom. 

Did This Resonate?

I am passionate about helping high-achieving women and other ambitious leaders create more space to allow their inner wisdom to step back into the driver's seat. If any part of this message resonates, I invite you to reach out directly. I'd love to have a conversation with you about how I may support you.

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Tian Philson - Leadership Transformation & Decision-Making Coach | Creator of the VOICCE® Decision Making & Empowerment Framework | Helping leaders go inward so they can go upward.