• Home
  • Blog
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Your Inner Guidance System!

May 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Sharon Castle - Lifestyle and Wellness Coach

When last did you spend time in the company of little children? I’m talking about little people between the ages of 1 and 2 years old. This past week, this is exactly what I did. I was invited by a friend to join her on a trip to her house in Ponta d’Ouro, Mozambique and we were joined by her daughter and her two young sons, while their husbands were away on a business trip.

What a delightful time it was witnessing what appeared to be a miracle. I’m talking about watching a little boy who recently turned one simply get up and walk. I mean it seems incredible to me that this little one, who has been crawling for a while and walking along holding on to things, just, well… walked. You’re probably puzzled by my fascination with the idea of walking being a miracle, but what I witnessed felt like an everyday miracle that we overlook as just something that happens, and yes it does, yet the feeling I felt was an emotional one. 

Because nobody taught this little fella to walk.  

No-one trained him to walk. 

No-one had to force him to walk.  

No-one gave a second thought to the fact that he could walk.  

But this is what I find so fascinating. No-one told him when he fell down multiple times and continued to fall down as his newly acquired skill became more familiar to him, that he should stop walking because he’s doing a bad job of walking. No-one discouraged him to stop walking because he could only take a few wobbly steps. No-one spoke about how badly he walks. No-one even thought that he might never walk. Everyone just knows that he will slowly improve and will continue to walk right into adulthood.

Here’s my question to you…

If this is innate in every human being, then why wouldn’t we have the same instincts naturally to do what we’re designed to do?  

If we just know to walk when we’re ready to walk or to laugh when we find something funny or to smile when we’re smiled at or cry when we’re hurting, why wouldn’t we know what to do when we’re faced with something that we need to make a decision on?

The answer to that question could have many layers, but what I’m feeling is that we’ve been conditioned to look outside of ourselves for answers. 

Life has become something that is less intrinsic and more extrinsic because of the way we are often raised, educated, and indoctrinated; to look for wisdom from others rather than to look within and discover our own innate wisdom.  

I call this our IGS, or inner guidance system. It’s always on and always working, even when we think it’s not.  

Can I challenge you?  

Can you take a few hours and be still enough to check with your own wisdom when you feel confused?  

Can you let yourself just sit in the confusion and wait till it passes and then observe what comes up for you?  

You might surprise yourself. Give it a try and let me know what happens. I’d love to hear.


Sharon Castle is a Life Coach, and a Lifestyle & Wellness Coach. Her interest and relentless pursuit of knowledge has taken her all over the world both as a student and as an International speaker, Life Coach and Lifestyle and Wellness Coach. She is passionate about people development and growth and encouraging individuals to take ownership and accountability of their lives and their performance in the workplace. Now in her 60s, Sharon is now on a mission to help others find their way to more freedom, balance and happiness. www.sharoncastle.co.za 

More articles by Sharon

Featured
My QTR - My Quality Time Remaining
Jan 25, 2025
My QTR - My Quality Time Remaining
Jan 25, 2025
Jan 25, 2025
Your Inner Guidance System!
May 26, 2024
Your Inner Guidance System!
May 26, 2024
May 26, 2024
People Pleaser Alert!
Feb 25, 2024
People Pleaser Alert!
Feb 25, 2024
Feb 25, 2024
The Inner GPS navigation system built into every person
Jan 13, 2024
The Inner GPS navigation system built into every person
Jan 13, 2024
Jan 13, 2024
Wild Spaces in Africa
Oct 7, 2023
Wild Spaces in Africa
Oct 7, 2023
Oct 7, 2023
Smashing the Myth of How Life Works
Sep 30, 2023
Smashing the Myth of How Life Works
Sep 30, 2023
Sep 30, 2023
Expression not suppression is the path to peace
Dec 22, 2022
Expression not suppression is the path to peace
Dec 22, 2022
Dec 22, 2022
Look for a Good Feeling
Nov 20, 2022
Look for a Good Feeling
Nov 20, 2022
Nov 20, 2022
Making change – that most difficult yet essential thing
Sep 20, 2020
Making change – that most difficult yet essential thing
Sep 20, 2020
Sep 20, 2020
Are you making movies?
Jul 11, 2020
Are you making movies?
Jul 11, 2020
Jul 11, 2020
In Guest Blog Tags Sharon Castle, Personal Development
← The two Ps (Patience & Persistence) - how to use them Understanding New Laws and Regulations FICA Act →

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day /  Lunar

Summer kaftan reinvented…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the stylish sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / The Joinery

The Laptop Pouch…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric
Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong’ Eve 2 Collection’ designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery
Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
Image of the Day / Pichulik

Statement earrings… Introducing Earrings from the Mamatongue Collection by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories, in collaboration with Italian designer Matteo Ci
Image of the Day / Rokus London

Sculpted statement jewellery…If you want to make a statement with your accessories, then these uniquely crafted pieces by Rokus London, a fine jewellery brand founded by Marie-Paule Tano, are just for you. Roku
Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat
Image of the Day / Savanna Premium Chocolate

Proudly Zambian chocolate…If you want to eat more of nature’s superfoods, then you have to try the fabulous range of chocolate bars lovingly made by Savanna Premium Chocolate, co-founded by C
Image of the Day / Rio Largo Olive Oil

Award-winning olive oil…If you are a big fan of olive oil, then you have to try the renowned, multi-award-winning olive oil in these stunningly beautiful decanters from Rio Largo Olive Oil in South Afric
Image of the Day /  Lunar

Summer kaftan reinvented…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the stylish sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / The Joinery

The Laptop Pouch…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong’ Eve 2 Collection’ designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map Image of the Day / Pichulik

Statement earrings… Introducing Earrings from the Mamatongue Collection by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories, in collaboration with Italian designer Matteo Ci Image of the Day / Rokus London

Sculpted statement jewellery…If you want to make a statement with your accessories, then these uniquely crafted pieces by Rokus London, a fine jewellery brand founded by Marie-Paule Tano, are just for you. Roku Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat Image of the Day / Savanna Premium Chocolate

Proudly Zambian chocolate…If you want to eat more of nature’s superfoods, then you have to try the fabulous range of chocolate bars lovingly made by Savanna Premium Chocolate, co-founded by C Image of the Day / Rio Largo Olive Oil

Award-winning olive oil…If you are a big fan of olive oil, then you have to try the renowned, multi-award-winning olive oil in these stunningly beautiful decanters from Rio Largo Olive Oil in South Afric

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation

Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):


LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.