In this deeply personal and reflective episode, I share a recent experience with my pony King that challenged me to practise what I preach about intuition, embodiment, and leadership.

What started as a riding lesson turned into a powerful leadership moment — one where I realised I knew something was off, but hesitated to act. Through King’s quiet cues, I was reminded how easy it is to override our inner knowing — and how vital it is to listen, pause, and trust ourselves, even when it’s uncomfortable.

This story isn't just about horses. It’s about:

• Why we ignore our intuition (and how to recognise when we are)
• The subtle, internal cues we dismiss in favour of logic, politeness, or hope
• How to build the muscle of listening to your inner guidance
• What it really means to lead from within — even when it’s messy

Whether you lead a team, a business, or your own healing journey, this episode is an invitation to honour your internal compass and strengthen your ability to act when the whisper first arrives.

What You’ll Learn:

• The three common reasons we override intuition: logic, being “nice,” and hope
• How those moments often echo back later as “I knew it…”
• A gentle 3-step practice to start listening and responding differently
• Why those lessons aren’t failures — they’re wisdom in the making

Journal Prompt:

Think about a moment when you knew something — but didn’t act.
What held you back?
What did you learn in the aftermath?
And how might you show up differently next time?

Connect with Merinda:
Instagram: @IamMerindaSmith
Website: www.merindasmith.com.au