Trusting the Universe to Guide Your Next Step

Questioning your next best step? You’re not alone. Life often feels harder than it needs to be—not because the answers aren’t there, but because we overwhelm ourselves with too many options.

We wonder: Should I do this or that? Stay or go? Try something new or stick with what I know? The weight of all those choices can feel paralyzing.

When I find myself in this place of overwhelm, I pause and look around me. Not at my to-do list or even at what others think I should do, but at the signs the Universe is quietly offering. Time and again, when I look for them, they show up.

The question is: are we paying attention?

Have you seen these signs from the Universe:

1. Numbers that repeat
   Ever notice the clock always seems to read 11:11 when you glance at it? Or maybe you keep seeing the same sequence of numbers on license plates, receipts, or phone numbers. These repeating numbers are often referred to as “angel numbers,” and they’re gentle nudges to pay attention to the choices in front of you.
2. Songs or words that speak directly to you
   You’re driving, lost in thought about a decision, and suddenly the lyrics on the radio echo exactly what’s on your heart. Or someone casually says a phrase that feels like it was meant just for you. Words often arrive right on time when we’re open to hearing them.
3. Unexpected encounters
   Sometimes guidance comes in the form of people crossing our path. A stranger strikes up a conversation, or a friend randomly shares something that feels oddly relevant to what you’re struggling with. These “coincidences” may be anything but.
4. Nature’s whispers
   The natural world has its own language. A butterfly appearing at your window, a sudden shift in weather, or the way the wind seems to carry a certain clarity—these can all be reminders to pause and listen more deeply.
5. The gut feeling you can’t ignore
   Not all signs are external. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice inside that keeps tugging at you. Intuition has a way of speaking softly but persistently, urging you toward the next best step if you’re willing to trust it.

How to Recognize and Trust the Signs

1. Slow down long enough to notice
   Signs are easy to miss when we’re rushing. Give yourself moments of stillness—whether that’s a walk without your phone, a few minutes of journaling, or simply looking up at the sky.
2. Ask for guidance
   It may sound simple, but asking the Universe (or whatever higher power you believe in) for a sign often opens the door to receiving one. Be specific: “Show me a sign I’m on the right path.” Then watch what unfolds.
3. Detach from how it should look
   Sometimes we miss signs because they don’t appear the way we expect. Stay open. Guidance can arrive through numbers, people, dreams, or even challenges that redirect us.
4. Trust your inner knowing
   When a sign resonates, you’ll feel it. You may not have all the details yet, but you’ll sense a quiet “yes” inside. Trust that.

The Wise Woman says . . .

Life doesn’t have to be as hard as we sometimes make it. The Universe is always in conversation with us—sending signs, nudges, and reminders that we’re not alone in our decisions. The next time you find yourself paralyzed by too many options, pause. Look around. Pay attention. The answers you’re seeking may already be waiting for you in the smallest details of your day.

Trust the signs. Trust yourself. And remember: you don’t have to force clarity—sometimes, it’s already shining right in front of you.