Intuition and Logic: The Tale of Two Wolves
Google defines “eye candy” as visual images that are superficially attractive and entertaining but intellectually undemanding.
I remember a moment from about ten years ago when I was working as an Assistant Manager at a different store.
Over my radio, I heard a fellow manager announce, “Eye candy on aisle 12.” Almost immediately, another manager laughed and said she was on her way to investigate.
I remained in the soda aisle, diligently opening boxes and filling the shelves with various products.
In my mind, I questioned, “Why does the exterior of a person make everyone drop what they’re doing to go look at them?” Later, I found out that my coworkers felt that I missed out on what were ‘three super hot firemen’.
Personally, I never felt that I missed out on anything.
For me, attraction has always required more depth.
Intellect and communication are far more valuable for chemistry in my book.
I need to engage in meaningful conversations and understand that your core values align with mine.
The idealist in me looks for a man with a moral compass, someone who might be a vigilante in a gray area, pursuing justice with a passion for evolution rather than simply being shallow “eye candy”.
At that time, the term “eye candy” felt like a turn-off to me.
However, I later had a boss who taught me a completely different perspective on what eye candy could represent.
I vividly recall one day walking through the store with him when he asked me, “What’s the best zone of your store?”
Before I could answer, he answered for me. “Let me tell you… The best zone is a full shelf. After all, why would you need to pull anything forward if every shelf is filled with product?”
As I walked alongside him, I felt a sense of pride.
Unfortunately, in the next moment, his tone changed, and the disapproval in it made me reconsider my decisions from the previous night.
Despite there being ten call-outs, the deliveries had been fully accounted for.
I assured him I had organized a blitz crew, pulling a few extra cashiers and two associates from maintenance to ensure we tackled all the freight.
His advice was not what I was expecting:
“Always remember ‘eye candy.’ Although you completed the deliveries, the store doesn’t appear ready for business, Camilla. Here’s the deal: always make sure everything is pushed forward (zoned) and that the floors and parking lot are clean. You have to think about ‘eye candy’. While it’s commendable that you and your team got the freight through by 4 a.m., you should have ensured that the store's cleanliness and overall presentation were addressed so that by 5 a.m., we would be ready for customers. Do you understand? If an inspector or the owner of all the locations in the state unexpectedly visits this morning, what impression are you projecting when they walk through the front doors?”
Taking criticism has never been easy for me; I consistently strive to give 110% to my work.
Yet, after walking through the store with him and seeing the opportunities he noticed, I realized that my focus on overcoming immediate challenges had led me to neglect the bigger picture.
Now, ten years later, I’ve come to understand that eye candy encompasses much more than just a store’s visual appeal; it’s about how I present myself, too.
Even if I’m feeling unsure of my ability to handle a situation, I need to appear composed and confident. Tact and diplomacy are essential when dealing with customers and associates alike.
There are days when I wake up feeling the weight of a restless night, whether from work interruptions or troubling thoughts.
Reflecting on everything I’ve learned about “eye candy,” I recognize the paradox: at this stage in my life, while I strive to live without masks, I must acknowledge that, as a leader, a confident facade is often required.
This might mean that beneath the mask portraying me as a woman with it all together lies a stronger woman than I often give myself credit for.
Eye candy, in all its forms, can conceal so much more than it reveals — both the good and the bad.
It’s a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and true depth lies beneath the surface.
You can’t see the forest for the trees.
Reflecting on the concept of “eye candy,” I see a strong connection to the balance between intuition and logic, especially when it comes to seeing the bigger picture in both personal and professional situations.
You can think of this balance as the difference between seeing the overall goal (the forest) and getting caught up in minor details (the trees).
In my initial experience, I was deeply entrenched in the details — ensuring that the shelves were filled and the immediate challenges were addressed.
This focus is akin to seeing the trees; I was caught up in the daily tasks and logistics, believing I was doing a good job.
However, it was only when my boss emphasized the importance of overall presentation that I began to appreciate the larger forest — the store’s image and how it impacts customer perception and operational success.
This realization links directly to the idea of balancing intuition and logic.
Intuitively, I understood that a well-run store benefits everyone, yet my logical approach had me fixated on completing tasks rather than envisioning how they contributed to a broader goal.
I used my logic to address immediate needs, but without the intuition to recognize the significance of appearances, I limited my effectiveness as a leader.
Over time, I learned that effective leadership requires both a keen awareness of details (the trees) and an understanding of the broader context (the forest).
It’s essential to address day-to-day operations, but equally crucial to ensure they contribute to an inviting environment that reflects the values and excellence we strive for.
My approach to leadership and how I present myself today have two sides.
In certain situations, I may feel vulnerable and insecure, focusing too heavily on my own perceived flaws rather than recognizing my strengths.
I must remember that, just as in a retail environment, my demeanor and confidence are part of the overall picture I present to others.
Likewise, in various facets of life, it’s easy to be consumed by specific details — whether it’s work pressures or personal challenges.
Yet, I now appreciate the need to step back and assess the broader landscape.
Understanding that “eye candy” can take many forms reminds me that while I may have flaws beneath the surface, projecting an image of confidence and composure can help others see the fuller picture of who I am — a dedicated leader with depth beyond mere appearances.
Ultimately, achieving a balance between intuition and logic enables us to navigate both the minute details and the broader perspectives of life effectively.
It’s a continuous process of stepping back to see the forest while also getting enough perspective to understand each tree that contributes to the whole. This duality is essential for proper growth, both personally and as a leader.
I found a post on Instagram that really got under my skin. It read:
The first thought should be ignored because this thought is formed reactively and comes from a place of trauma. The second thought should be the one we listen to because it comes from a place of logic.
Isn’t our first thought born from our intuition?
What about everything that I have read that says that we should learn to listen and trust our intuition?
Have I been a fool?
Should we second-guess our intuition after all?
Was I wrong for listening to my intuition?
My intuition can’t steer me wrong relating to work (after all, work is not colored by childhood experiences or accumulated adult hurt)- so perhaps my intuition should only be used in professional settings?
Staring at the ceiling in my bed, I can’t help but wonder if, all this time I’ve been trying to teach myself to trust my inner voice, maybe I’ve been all wrong.
Should I be second-guessing my intuition?
Can my intuition be trusted for emotional responses?
Should we rely on our intuition for decision-making when it comes to relationships…when it comes to love?
Google’s answer to this question: Intuition is not solely emotional; it’s a rapid, unconscious process that synthesizes past experiences and knowledge to inform logical decisions. However, it’s also influenced by emotions and biases. We should rely on intuition selectively, using it as a guide to complement, rather than replace, rational analysis. This is especially true when reliable data is available and time allows for thorough evaluation. In fast-paced, unstructured situations where logical analysis isn’t feasible, intuition can be a valuable shortcut.
Google's answer hasn’t helped me.
Are love and our relationships full of reliable data?
Love is never black and white.
This may be why I throw myself into my work the way that I do.
Maybe that is why my Mom did too.
I remember when I was promoted to a manager for the very first time at one of my earliest jobs; I felt a mixture of fear and uncertainty.
I wasn’t sure how to trust my own decisions without seeking my boss's feedback.
Whenever I encountered challenges, I would bring my concerns to him. I clearly recall him asking, “Okay, so what’s the solution?” I hesitated and expressed my uncertainty about making decisions independently.
I believed that since he was in a higher position, I should consult him before moving forward with any potential solutions.
I worried about making a mistake and presenting a solution that he might disapprove of.
He then shared a valuable lesson with me: sometimes, it’s better to ask for forgiveness than to seek permission.
He explained that as long as I had valid reasons behind my decisions, every choice I made would either lead me in the right direction or provide an opportunity for growth — even if it meant learning from my mistakes.
His words instilled confidence in my authority and decision-making abilities.
The most significant lesson I learned was that if I remained paralyzed by the fear of making a decision, I was ultimately blocking my own growth.
I realized that taking ownership of my choices was crucial.
The more I took initiative for my department without constantly seeking approval, the more I was acknowledged for my efforts.
Trusting that intuitive voice within us can guide us not only in major decisions but also in the day-to-day challenges we face at work.
It empowers us to find solutions and grow in our roles.
As I sit cross-legged, staring into the distance, I contemplate the two roads that lie before me.
I let my mind drift, seeking clarity from the universe and asking for answers.
I had always believed that my intuition was something I could trust — until I read that our unresolved trauma can influence it.
What does that mean?
I had never encountered that idea before.
I always thought that in moments of emotional turmoil, I should listen to the intuitive voice within me.
But what if this voice echoes from a place of unresolved pain?
These thoughts made me question my inclination to trust my intuition.
Should I trust my intuition only when it comes to my work?
I began to wonder if the language within me was one I was misinterpreting.
When I delve beneath the surface of my thoughts, I realize I must confront my fears and attune myself to the calmness that resides within.
In the darkness behind my closed eyes, the tale of the two wolves comes to mind.
Perhaps this story can help me better understand that our intuition consists of two distinct voices.
One voice lies, and the other speaks the truth.
Which wolf do we choose to feed?
Do we nurture the intuitive knowing that arises from a place of fear and hurt, or do we embrace the innocence and light that lie beneath it all?
Can we still hear the voice that whispers the truth beyond the loudness of the lies?
Is our intuition speaking to us from unresolved wounds of the past, or from the innocence that was once our nature before we were touched by pain?
We can choose to feed the white wolf within ourselves, guiding our journey of self-development and allowing us to evolve as we were meant to, or we can let ourselves be ensnared by the black wolf, which leads us to a false sense of safety while keeping us from our true purpose.
Ultimately, we decide which wolf within us we listen to.
The black wolf means well; it seeks to keep us safe, but it is biased by the darkness in which it remains.
How will we ever find the light that guides us if we continue to let our shadows lead us astray?
We have taken the wrong road many times; the path with the black wolf calls to us, promising shortcuts that ultimately lead to nothing but a mirage.
The safety it offers will leave us in darkness and isolation.
Our thirst will never be quenched if we chase after illusions rather than embrace the truth that lies within.
The choice is ours: to seek the light of clarity and growth or to remain ensnared by the shadows of our past.
In reflecting on my journey with the concept of “eye candy,” I realize that the balance between intuition and logic extends far beyond the workplace.
Just as I learned to see the bigger picture in my professional life, I must also apply that same insight to matters of the heart.
Our instincts often act as a shield, protecting us from potential pain and disappointment, but in doing so, they can also block us from experiencing genuine love and connection.
As I navigate relationships, I’m reminded to look within and confront my fears, allowing myself to be vulnerable rather than pushing away what could bring joy and fulfillment.
By embracing both my intuition and logic, I can cultivate a deeper understanding of myself and others, paving the way for love that enriches my life rather than limits it.
Ultimately, it’s up to us to break down those instinctive defenses and open ourselves to the beautiful, messy complexity of both love and life.