When Your Inner Voice Goes Quiet

We’ve all been there.

A friend reaches out, unsure about what to do. You listen. You nod. And then, with surprising clarity, you say exactly the thing they needed to hear.

It’s kind. It’s wise. It’s grounded.

Then a few days later, you hit a crossroads. The same kind of doubt creeps in. But suddenly, that clarity is gone. You second-guess. You spiral a little. You scroll for answers. And the advice that flowed so easily for others? Feels miles away for yourself.

Why is it so much easier to hear someone else than to hear yourself?

The Distance Makes It Clearer

When we’re outside a situation, we can zoom out. We’re not tied to the emotions, the fears, or the little ego flinches that come with it. It’s like watching a movie instead of acting in it  everything feels easier to name and navigate.

But when the spotlight turns inward, we lose that distance. The noise in our head gets loud. We overthink, over feel, overcomplicate. And our inner voice  the one that usually knows what’s best  gets buried.

The Inner Voice Is Quiet on Purpose

Unlike the world around us, our inner voice doesn’t scream. It whispers. It nudges. It shows up in the quiet moments  between emails, during long walks, or when we finally put our phone down at night.

But in a world that values speed, noise, and constant doing… quiet can feel unnatural. Listening to yourself takes intention. It takes practice.

So What Helps?

Start by pausing.

Not forever  just long enough to notice.
Ask yourself:

• What would I tell someone else in my shoes?

• What’s the story I keep repeating… and is it true?

• What if the answer is already in me, and I just haven’t made space to hear it?

Simple practices help. Journaling. A quiet cup of tea. Stepping outside without a podcast. These aren’t productivity hacks. They’re invitations. To return to yourself.

A Final Thought

The wisdom you offer others? It lives in you, too.
The kindness you extend? You deserve it, too.

So the next time you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure — try this:
Treat yourself like someone worth listening to.

Because you are.