The Voice of Your Ego and the Voice of Your Gifts
We all carry two distinct voices inside us: the voice of our ego and the voice of our gifts. Both demand our attention, pulling us in different directions. But how can we tell them apart?
And more importantly, how do we know which one to listen to?
The Voice of the Ego
The ego is a master of survival. It tells us how to stay safe, fit in, and chase external validation. Its voice can be seductive, convincing us that we need more success, more recognition, and more control. It whispers fears and doubts into our subconscious, feeding off our natural instincts for comparison and competition.
Now, ego isn’t inherently bad. It’s a necessary part of being human. Our ego helps us develop a sense of self, allowing us to define our individuality and cultivate self-confidence, and driving us to push beyond our perceived limitations and strive for greater growth and success. But when we let it take control, we can start to feel small in its shadow. We often find ourselves trapped in cycles of dissatisfaction, always striving for something just out of reach.
The Voice of Your Gifts
In contrast, the voice of your gifts is quiet and subtle. It emerges when you’re in flow, when you’re doing something that feels deeply aligned with who you are. It whispers truths you can’t ignore, guiding you toward your highest potential.
Unlike the ego, this voice doesn’t shout or demand attention. Instead, it nudges you gently, encouraging you to create, share, and serve. It knows your purpose and understands the unique contributions you bring to the world. Listening to this voice often feels like coming home, like being in sync with something larger than yourself.
Recognizing the Difference
So how do you distinguish between the two voices? While both are urging you towards action of some kind, the ego’s voice often feels more urgent, anxious, and heavy. It speaks to you with a strong understanding of your fears: of not being enough, of losing status, or of missing out on possible success. It uses these to push you towards your goals, telling you you’re not good enough. Following the ego alone can leave you exhausted and never truly satisfied, despite your efforts.
On the other hand, the voice of your gifts feels expansive, calm, and inspiring. It wants the same things for you as your ego does, but it doesn’t rush you; it invites you to explore, trust, and grow. It allows space for contemplation, for changing direction and making new choices. When you listen to this voice you feel a sense of peace, even if the path ahead is uncertain. There’s a deep knowing that you’re on the right track, even if it’s not the easiest one, because your gifts are gently and lovingly nudging you along with each step.
The Challenge of Listening
It’s not always easy to tune into the voice of your gifts. The ego is loud, persistent, and deeply ingrained in our culture. But the more we practice listening to our gifts, the clearer and more distinct that voice becomes.
It takes courage to trust it, to step away from the ego’s demands and lean into the unknown. But when you do, something magical happens. You start to live in alignment with your true self. Your actions become more authentic, your connections deeper, and your life more meaningful. You begin to contribute to the world in a way that only you can, through the unique gifts you carry.
I invite you now to listen closely to the voices within you. Notice when the ego is driving your decisions and when your gifts are guiding you. Reflect on where you feel most aligned and where you might be holding back out of fear or doubt.
What would happen if you started to prioritize the voice of your gifts? How might your life change if you trusted that quiet, inner knowing?
Drop me a note in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!