Unpopular opinion: in life, feeling lost is better than feeling stuck.
For me, feeling lost, while terrifying, allows me a semblance of finding a way forward. Feeling stuck paralyzes me, I feel like the walls are closing in around me right where I stand.
To be honest, though, they’re almost the same feeling, just different intensities.
Still, both of these feelings present a question: What now?
Yeah, what now? Where do you go from here?
Do you run straight through the path you recognize or do you look around finding a new way forward?
What will it take for you to take a different step? What are these signs? Has the universe been throwing them at you without you realizing it?
Is the universe pushing you into a new life direction?
Well, then, let’s talk about it.
1) There’s a big, unexpected shift
Let me preface this by saying that I’m not whitewashing big, unexpected shifts in life as a lot of those are usually difficult lessons to bear.
Job loss, divorce, breakup, loss, etc. Those are the negative kinds of big and unexpected shifts in life.
On the other hand, there are also positive changes in life like a good new job, weddings, births, a new house, new friendships, etc.
Although let’s be honest, those occasions could be interchangeably good and bad, right?
My point is, you’re already halfway towards a new life direction after a big life shift.
It’s almost difficult to remain fundamentally the same after changes like that. After all, change is a catalyst.
Changes are forks in the road. Changes are both a hello and a goodbye and I think a lot of us tend to forget that.
Endings happen so new beginnings can, too. And new beginnings will eventually conclude.
Losing a job you hate might actually be a push for you to go back to past passions or venture into new territories.
Breakups are tough, but perhaps it was for the best. Perhaps the new road forward is to focus on your career, a new love, or a new calling.
2) There are smaller, consistent nudges, even in unlikely places
Finding this article could’ve been the universe at work, too. Sure, it could’ve come up in the search engines but you didn’t have to click on it, right?
Yet here you are, hopefully resonating with these words and feeling empowered. Take this article as a nudge from the universe if you have to, I’m a “right place, right time” kinda girl anyway.
So as much as big, sudden shifts reflect an incoming change, smaller and more consistent nudges do the same.
It just takes more attention. Big changes are rarely things you can ignore but consistent winks from the universe could be easily overlooked.
Adding to the fact that it’s hard to specify what these “nudges” are since it could be truly unique for you and your situation. I’ve known people who attach great meaning even in the most mundane, from favorite numbers to a name that keeps popping up over and over.
Whatever those may be, you’re gonna know. And if you’re already here, then there’s a very big chance that you just need some sort of validation.
3) Reignited passion
Life has this realistic tendency to get in the way of what we’re passionate about—our hobbies, our crafts, our advocacies, our interests, etc. I know so many people who have lost their spark because they needed to survive day-to-day.
That’s why if you feel your passions reigniting, the universe might just be pushing you in a new life direction… or, pushing you back.
Perhaps the circumstances are better now and you can go back to the things you used to love doing.
Perhaps the time is now.
There’s this Chinese proverb, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
It reminds us of second chances. Of trying again. It reminds us that the chance to change is not something fleeting, that you are capable of grasping it again.
Late is better than never for old dreams. If the spark is back, maybe it’s time to let it keep you warm now.
4) Things are aligning
Things are aligning to the point that it’s scary how well things are aligning. As an anxious person, this makes me feel jittery.
I’ve become so used to always being on guard, to always expect the worst to happen, but you know what? Things could just align in my favor. Things could just be good.
I could just be doing well and there’s no hidden agenda from the universe.
Everything going well could just be the universe lending its helping hand, as if saying, “Go on, I got your back.”
5) The current way of things exhausts you
On the flip side of things aligning, another subtle sign of a need for change is that the present situation exhausts you.
I’m not talking about the end-of-day kind of tired, I’m talking about burnout levels of exhaustion. It’s just constantly stressful.
The thing is, it’s stressful even when it’s good. Ever felt that? Like, everything’s going well but it’s just not worth the exhaustion?
There’s that discontent, that hunger for something else. Life could look good from the outside in but not when seen closely.
So if the current way is exhausting, perhaps the answer is to shake things up. (I do advocate for a moment of rest first, though.)
And maybe the universe pushing back is also its way of pushing you forward elsewhere.
6) It’s taking a physical toll on you
Speaking of exhaustion… the stress from your current circumstance is getting to you, and it’s manifesting physically.
According to the American Psychological Association, some of these stress-related effects on the body are:
- Muscle tension in the area of the shoulders, neck, and head
- Tension-type headache and migraine headache
- Shortness of breath
- Higher risk of heart disease
- Chronic fatigue
- Metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity)
- Heartburn
- Stomach pains
- Affects libido
- Hormonal imbalance in women can cause irregular periods
If your health is already getting affected by your situation, you might want to think of what you can change. I know, I know, lifestyle changes are easier said than done but it’s at least something to think about.
7) Everything is falling apart around you
One of the best life lessons I’ve learned is “Rejection is redirection.” A hard one to bear, but a comfort to come back to when I need it (and trust that I need it often.)
When you’re being greeted by one failure to another, perhaps it’s time to reassess if the current situation is doing you any favors. There’s merit in never giving up, sure, but there’s also wisdom in knowing when to change course.
Think of it as making space for growth.
8) A constant restlessness
There’s a certain feeling of restlessness when the universe is pushing you towards a new life goal. You just can’t stop thinking about it.
You see signs everywhere.
You keep getting validation that it’s the right move, and inaction is making you antsy. Failure looks more and more like an invitation to try something new. Meanwhile, opportunities get clearer and more frequent.
I reckon the universe is shouting at you to pay attention now, friend. Listen.
9) Resolve
And finally, resolve.
There’s something in you that’s saying you need to pay attention. It could be your instincts or your restlessness, but whatever it is, your mind is made up.
You pay more and more thought into this and the road ahead is getting clearer. If not clear, your mind’s made up enough to find out what it holds anyway.
You reading this might just be your way of seeking more validation when in fact, your heart is already ready for your next move.
So before you jump to the next article, I want to say that life is too short to not try new things. To explore what else the world has to offer.
I know we’re all burdened by the intricacies of life and the heavy weight of responsibilities, but I hope you find a good balance nonetheless. Articles like these become difficult to write when I remember you reading this on the other end of the screen.
If you’re reading this, you probably need all the good luck you can have, all the encouragement, and the courage.
At the end of the day, the heavy weight of a decision still rests on your shoulders, but I hope you at least got some comfort from this. And I hope that whatever you choose will be in your favor.
May you find happiness on your way forward, friend, the universe has your back. I’m rooting for you.
