Diving into One’s Own Well

by Ishani Patel

An illustration pulled from a Braided Way article, accompanied by a poem by my favorite poet, Khalil Gibran, on the theme of self-knowledge

Trusting the Voice Within

Before I started leaning into my intuition — the quiet voice within that gently guides my thoughts and decisions — I often turned to others for their opinions and validation. I mistakenly sought clarity outside of myself, not realizing that I hadn’t yet engaged in the deep, introspective work needed to understand what I truly wanted. The answers I was searching for were always within me, waiting to be found. As I began to trust this inner wisdom, I found myself growing more confident and grounded in my decisions. This journey mirrors Søren Kierkegaard’s concept of authenticity, where true self-discovery and confidence arise from within, rather than relying on external approval. According to Kierkegaard, it’s through acknowledging our own subjectivity and embracing the limitations of our understanding that we begin to live more authentically. By rejecting conformist tendencies and the unspoken expectations of who and what we should be, we empower ourselves to define our own path, rooted in genuine self-awareness

The Journey of Self-Reflection

Getting to this place of self-trust is a journey paved with reflection. It involves confronting the frustrations that arise when an answer feels off or incomplete — those moments when we sense something is not quite right, even if we can’t fully rationalize why. These frustrations often stem from our internal conflicts, where our instincts clash with the external advice we’ve absorbed

Recognizing that these moments of doubt often mirror our own fears or insecurities is key. It’s in acknowledging these emotions and understanding that they reflect the limitations of our understanding that we can begin to trust our instincts. This is where real growth begins — when we have the agency to address these conflicts, embrace our subjective experience, and confidently move forward, even when our path diverges from what others expect

Listening, but Trusting Your Path

While it’s essential to listen to others and consider their perspectives, it’s crucial to remember that no one else can chart your path as clearly as you can. You are the only one living your unique journey. Others may offer advice, but ultimately, the direction you take must resonate with your own truth. I often seek advice and listen carefully to what others have to say. However, deep down, I know that when it comes to making decisions — whether it’s about a career move, a relationship, or pursuing a new idea — I’m the one who has to live with the outcomes

No one else can walk in my shoes or experience the life I live, so the choices I make must align with my own truth. Jean-Paul Sartre, in true existentialist fashion, famously said that we are responsible for creating our own essence through our choices, emphasizing that the journey is ours alone. I felt the weight of this responsibility as I navigated a particularly challenging decision. It was one of those moments where I realized that, while advice can be invaluable, it’s ultimately up to me to choose my path

Embracing this truth allows you to truly design the life you desire, leading from a place of high agency. Though the decision was difficult at the time, it reinforced my belief that only I can truly define what’s right for me. It wasn’t the easiest path, but it was mine — and that made all the difference

Writing as a Mirror

Writing has become a powerful tool for me — punctuated by moments of reflection and meditation. In an effort to be more clear in my thoughts and intentions, I’m writing more frequently and sharing my reflections more widely, in the hope that they may resonate with others. This act of sharing is both an expression of vulnerability and a testament to the clarity I’ve begun to find within myself. As this is one of my first times sharing publicly in this manner, I welcome any thoughts you may have — feel free to email me

Designing Your Life with Intuition

You are the designer of your own life, and true power emerges when you trust your intuition fully. To live in alignment with your inner voice is the greatest act of love you can give yourself. It requires self-discipline, the kind where you make time for deep thought and the confidence to express what you truly feel

This is the path to discovering what makes you happy, and to living a life that feels authentically yours — a journey toward eudaimonia, or a life well-lived