How to Let Go of Limiting Beliefs and Trust Your Intuition as You Step Into Your Power
If you’ve ever felt a deep, almost unexplainable connection with animals, you’re not alone.
The more I’ve activated my value of Spirituality, the more I’ve found myself connecting with the energy of animals—not just their bodies or behavior, but the way their presence carries wisdom.
One of the places that shows up for me is in the Lunar New Year.
If you’re not familiar, the Lunar New Year follows the lunar calendar and each year is associated with one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. Each animal carries its own energy and symbolism.
Right now, there’s just a little over a week left in the Year of the Snake. In Chinese tradition, the snake is often associated with rebirth and renewal, especially because of the way it sheds its skin—a powerful image of letting go of what no longer fits so you can grow into something new.
The Year of the Snake has been all about shedding.
Shedding what doesn’t serve.
Shedding old identities.
Shedding and shaking off self-doubt.
And as we move toward the Year of the Horse next week—a year connected with energy, movement, freedom, and independent, forward momentum —I’ve been asking myself:
“What else do I need to shed so I can actually step into that power?”
Two big ones came up for me:
- Not listening to my intuition.
- Not fully owning my power.
Let me share a simple (and slightly bloody 😅) example.
Recently, I was making dinner with MaryBeth.
She was about to cut open a baguette, and I said, “Hey, can I help you with that?” She handed it over, and I noticed she’d pulled out a knife I’d never used before.
My intuition immediately whispered:
“Don’t use that knife. Grab the one you like.”
Clear as day.
And what did I do?
I ignored it.
I went with the knife that was already out… and I ended up cutting my finger…pretty badly.
Lots of blood, but not enough to require stitches— enough to be a very literal reminder:
“When you don’t listen to your intuition, you feel pain.”
Research is increasingly showing that intuition isn’t just “woo.” A large share of your decisions are made unconsciously, with the body and nervous system processing information faster than the rational mind can explain.
That “gut feeling” or quiet inner nudge is often your system pulling together experience, pattern recognition, and emotional data into a simple signal: yes or no.
My job is just to listen.
And honestly, I don’t always do that.
The other thing I’m shedding is the habit of not owning my power.
I have a long history of:
- Making myself smaller so others feel more comfortable
- Undervaluing my work and offering it for free “just to help”
- Treating myself like a really good employee instead of the leader of my own life and business
Some of the guidance I’ve received recently in a soul channeling was to stop playing the “perfect employee” in my own life—and promote myself to self-leadership.
To see my higher guidance—my intuition—as my “leader,” instead of outsourcing that role to other people’s expectations.
That hits hard.
Because every time I don’t listen to my intuition… or I shrink my value… or I say yes to something that’s “almost right” instead of truly aligned… I’m essentially telling my own soul, “I don’t trust you.”
And that’s not how I want to live, especially as we move into the Year of the Horse.
In Chinese symbolism,
the Horse is associated with energy, freedom, speed, independence, and bold forward motion. It’s seen as a time to take action, embrace movement, and step into your dreams with courage.
That energy feels really personal to me—especially because horses are such powerful mirrors.
Our horses reflect my inner state back to me constantly:
- When I’m anxious, they get anxious.
- When I’m scattered, they get distracted.
- When I’m in my power—grounded, clear, present—they relax, trust me, and follow my lead.
That’s one of the greatest gifts horses offer: they don’t care about your titles, your bank account, or your résumé. They respond to your energy and your truth.
So as the Year of the Snake wraps up and the Year of the Horse begins, here’s what I’m sitting with that I’d invite you to do the same:
- What beliefs can I still shed so I can actually trust my intuition?
- Where am I playing small, undervaluing myself, or waiting for permission?
- What old fear patterns am I ready to release so I can step into horsepower in my life?
Because here’s the thing:
Most of what holds you back isn’t a lack of information.
It’s the limiting beliefs, trapped emotions, and subconscious patterns your system created at some point to “protect” you.
Patterns like:
- “It’s safer to stay small.”
- “If I shine too bright, I’ll be rejected.”
- “My needs don’t matter as much as everyone else’s.”
Your mind might know those aren’t true anymore… but your body and subconscious can still be acting like they are.
Which is why “pushing harder” or setting more goals doesn’t really shift things at the deepest level. What you actually need is space to shed what doesn’t serve you and gently step into a new way of being.
As we close out the Year of the Snake and move into the Year of the Horse—and especially the Year of the Fire Horse—this moment can be a turning point.
Snake energy is about release and renewal.
Horse energy is about forward motion, freedom, and power.
Fire Horse adds extra intensity, courage, and heart-led action.
It’s like the universe is saying:
“Let go of the old skin. Step into your horsepower now.”
If you’re reading this and thinking:
“I know there’s more in me. I know I’m meant to step into something bigger, but it still feels like something’s holding me back…”
You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out in your head.
Join MaryBeth for a Free Live Guided Healing with Horses Meditation
Instead of sending you off to do more on your own, I want to invite you into a free live experience that can hold you as you make this shift:
Year Of The Fire Horse: Guided Healing With Horses Meditation
When: 2:00 pm EST on Wednesday, February 18
Where: Insight Timer Live
With: MaryBeth and our two horses, Oliver Sunshine and Gorgeous Norbert
In this session, you’ll be guided to:
- Be “transported” to the Arizona desert with MaryBeth, Ollie, and Norby
- Ground into the present moment in unity with nature
- Dive into the meaning of this sacred season and how you can harness horse medicine for your personal empowerment in the year ahead
- (Re)connect with the natural way horses and nature create a sense of peace and well-being within yourself
My hope is that this isn’t just another meditation on your calendar, but a threshold moment:
A space where you let the last pieces of “snake skin” fall away…
and take your first real steps into the energy, courage, and freedom of the Horse.
If that speaks to you, I’d love to have you there with us.
You can find all the details and join us here:
Year Of The Fire Horse: Guided Healing With Horses Meditation
P.S.
If your soul has been whispering, “It’s time,” this free live gathering is a beautiful way to say yes to that nudge.
We’ll be welcoming the Lunar New Year together, in the presence of two very sensitive horses and the wide-open Arizona desert—tuning into what you’re ready to shed, and what you’re ready to step into.
Think of it as a gentle, powerful doorway into your own Year of the Horse energy: more trust, more truth, more you.
If that feels right in your body, you’re warmly invited to join us:
