Don't dismiss the nudge!
Perhaps you’re doing chores at home, driving to an appointment, or cooking a meal, and then it happens—someone you know comes to your mind and you think to yourself, “I should reach out to them.” You’ve been nudged.
A few nights ago while making some food I got the sense that I should call my client, Stewart, and to do so at that moment. He answered the phone and I asked how he was doing. Stewart told me a friend had passed away the night before and he was having a tough time. We talked for a few minutes as he recounted a fond memory of his friend, and before hanging up, Stewart said, “I really appreciate your call. You must have picked up on something.” He was right—I’d been nudged to check on him and by doing so, I provided a sympathetic ear when he really needed it.
What do you do when you get nudged? You may intend to take that action, and you add it to your mental checklist of things you’ll eventually get around to doing. But as is often the case, that intention can be forgotten due to all the other things you have going on. If you’re like me, a nudge to take some type of action has many times been outright dismissed.
When we receive these prompts, I believe they should be regarded as potentially important messages to be followed because they can in some way benefit us or someone else, as was the case with Stewart. In fact, there are many people who swear their lives were saved, or some type of calamity was avoided, after hearing or feeling an internal warning that they didn’t dismiss.
Time could be spent pondering the source of these nudges and messages, but whether they come from within or from something that’s outside of me, I’m regarding it as a gift and a connection to be fostered and leaned into. It’s felt increasingly important for me to be more present and supportive, both for others and myself. I’m confident these opportunities will present themselves by actively listening and even asking for nudges.
A topic like this is often met with eye-rolling and regarded as “new age woo-woo”, but even if there’s a small possibility that each of us if we want it, can connect to something that guides us to do good things and potentially make a positive difference, it’s worth discussing and exploring.
What do you think? You’ve likely been nudged to take an action several times in your life—is there a chance that paying attention to it and carrying it out could make an impact you can feel good about? Because I know I can learn from them, I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and about your experiences.
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Sanatana
This is an excellent piece. I am nudged many times and do my best to respond to that nudge. Recently, I kept getting a nudge to call a really good friend, Jeri. I had been postponing, because like you articulated so well, we get busy with life. But the nudge did not cease. So while walking my dog, I called her. She was thrilled; told me she'd been thinking of me and "sending me mental messages to call her." I told her I'd received them but had been remiss at calling her back. I told her to keep sending me the messages and that next time I would not hesitate to give her a call. And that's just how it's been.
The nudge is important. We never know how it will impact us or somebody else. So it's best just to oblige!
Well Street
Warming someone's heart by following a nudge feels good all around.
Evangel
I admire anyone who understands that the nudge is a gift to be acted upon—and attentively follows through with the action. Good for you!
Once, I had been temporarily hired for a brief, two-week freelance job. On the day the job ended, as I was packing up my belongings, I clearly heard, "Get up and stand outside the office door." Weird to say the least, but it wasn't the first time I'd heard my inner voice speak so clearly. At first, I ignored it, but upon hearing it again I relented.
When I stepped into the corridor, a colleague was rushing down the hall carrying a stack of folders with a harried look on his face. I greeted him and asked how he was doing. When he said he was overloaded with work, I asked if I could help him. Surprised, he said, "Oh, you actually have some time?" I said sure.
Right then and there, he handed me a folder and said, "Thanks! I need you to write a proposal that's due next week. I'll send you the billing numbers later."
That proposal was the first in a long series of creative projects I developed while working for him over the course of the next five years. Odd but true! It was a gift I almost missed out on.
Well Street
Your experience shows that a nudge, especially when received so clearly and explicitly, should be followed.
Slipstream
I'm going to relate a story about a nudge my mom received. After a fall, her doctor told her not to wear sandals, and that she should give them up for something more supportive. She reluctantly purchased the more sensible shoes.
But one day, she saw a pair of sandals she just couldn't resist. She told me that she was awakened in the middle of the night by a firm voice that said, "Take those shoes back!" First thing the next morning, she returned the sandals.
I breathed a sigh of relief the shoes were returned and was so very grateful for the powerful nudge.
Well Street
A firm nudge that comes in the dead of night means business.
Present Valley
Apologies for my late response.
I took your suggestion and followed up on a nudge I'd been dodging for awhile...calling a dear friend. As it turns out we were both receiving the same nudge. This led to a very vulnerable and stimulating conversation about how we both at times avoid taking action on the nudge we are receiving because we tell ourselves we are too busy. Unpacking the idea that we could be too busy to connect with someone we love just sounded preposterous. We both acknowledged that following through fosters the sense of love and connection that we really feel for each other.
Thanks for the reminder.
Well Street
It's interesting that you and your friend were both being nudged to reach out. Kudos to you for taking the action that brought a rewarding conversation.