Inspiration or Distraction? How to Tell the Difference
You don’t need another permission slip, you need a spark. We’re talking guilty pleasures, one-time hobbies, and how to know what’s an intuitive nudge and what’s just noise.
You’re traveling, hosting family, and somehow juggling last minute work meetings, kids at home, and sunscreen smears on your back seat. Summer is happening. I’m currently in North Carolina celebrating Owen's 9th birthday and spending the 4th of July with family at my dad’s lake house.
Today we’re using our powers of discernment! And getting curious about the difference between distraction and real inspiration. This conversation pairs perfectly with a Substack I just published about wasting time in the self-help section, and builds on last week’s episode about coming back to things.
A Key to Recognizing Real Inspiration
Tune into your body. Does it feel like relief and ease? Like joy and peace? Or more like the morning after one too many drinks?
Do you feel momentum, like something’s moving through you? Or do you feel stuck, dragging your feet, forcing each step?
Here’s your cue to exhale. Let your thoughts settle. Drop into your body. You already know what your mind thinks. This is about going a few layers deeper.
Ask your inner voice:
• Is this a craving, a distraction, or inspired action?
• Does this bring me closer to what I really want?
• What do I want to do next?
If don’t even know what you want, that’s okay. Clarity begins with curiosity.
Ritual Stack: Discovering Your Own Inspiration
Read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. One of my forever faves. I’ve listened to the audiobook countless times and even read it aloud to baby Owen when he was too little to know it wasn’t Little Blue Truck. It’s a resounding reminder that inspiration wants to partner with you.
Watch The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning on Peacock. Produced by Amy Poehler, this show is hilarious and heartwarming. Perfect for when you’re craving clarity or need a kick in the pants to let go of what’s weighing you down.
Listen to Formation and then ENERGY by Beyonce. Because when you listen to these songs, you cannot be stopped.
Practice following your own white rabbit. Use your five senses. Notice the nudges. Let your curiosity guide you. Then release whatever you don’t feel like finishing. If you’re not sure, ask: “Is this a craving, a distraction, or an inspired idea?”
Schedule An Hour of Answers. If you’re ready to clear the noise, this private session is for you. We’ll release what’s weighing you down so you can make your next move with clarity and confidence.
Wait, What Is a Ritual Stack?
It’s the name of my new Substack! Come follow me over there: kaileenelise.substack.com.
On the podcast, Ritual Stacks is a segment filled with recommendations, practices, and nudges to layer into your everyday life. You don’t need to do them all. Just pick one. See where it leads.
Move through what’s
been stopping you.
A Season of Clarity is a six-week intensive to stop second-guessing and start moving.
Shift the patterns keeping you stuck so you can decide, plan, and act in alignment.
Listen to the Celebrate Cultivate Podcast
Keep Reading for More Inspiration
Consistency vs. Real Life: Burnout, Creativity, and 5 Mini Breaks to Take
Let’s normalize taking breaks! Perfectionists, come take a close look at what consistency really means and how you’ve been getting it wrong. Be sure to stay for the 5 mini breaks that will bring more peace to your life.
About Kaileen Elise Sues
Hi, I'm Kaileen! Intuition coach, host of the Celebrate Cultivate podcast, and mom of three.
Until I found my inner voice, I was a perfectionist always on the edge of overwhelm. This practice changes everything.
That’s why I’m here to help you access your intuition. So you can heal old wounds, manifest magic, and find calm in the chaos of daily life.
