DON’T TRUST YOUR GUT
Because of my learning disability when following my gut I have been wrong just as often as I have been right. So I was happy to read this review of two books suggesting that gut reactions are not always helpful.
As a mental health professional I most worried when parents were told: “Follow gut.” That did worked for many, but for parents abused as children it often meant: “Hit the kid.” Not helpful.
My Emotional Fitness Training programs teach that no matter what situation you face, taking a Calming Breath and Thinking before acting increases the possibility you will act wisely. Even when waking in the middle of the night to the sound of your smoke alarm and the smell of smoke thinking before dashing out the nearest door can save your life.
So I am pleased some others are also challenging the myth of easy acceptance of a gut reaction as permission to act.