9 Specific Ways The Universe Works To Remind You Just How Powerful You Really Are
Krakenimages | ShutterstockThe universe isn't here to hold your hand when times get tough, but its gifts can help you evolve into the strongest version of yourself. The challenge lies in being open and willing to receive these gifts, even when that process of growth seems intimidating.
As humans, we are hard-wired to resist change, which makes these lessons sometimes scary. But just because we fear something doesn't make it bad or unhealthy. In fact, the universe has ways of pushing us into new, stronger versions of ourselves and reminding us how powerful we can be.
Here are 9 ways the universe works to remind you how powerful you really are:
1. It puts you in situations that require you to trust your intuition
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The universe isn't against you. It may feel that way at first, but the only way to remind you how powerful you are is to put you in situations that require you to trust your intuition. That's why you may find yourself in stressful predicaments where you have to make a tough decision without enough objective evidence to choose either way.
Intuition is powerful. As Aigerim Alpysbekova, MPH, PhD, explained, "I genuinely believe everyone has access to this inner wisdom—we just need to learn to tune in." But to access it, we gotta learn to trust our inner voice. By staying connected and rooted, we can evolve into the most powerful version of ourselves.
2. It removes people you thought you couldn't live without
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You probably have that one person in your life you can't live without. Sure, you may have had your fair share of falling-outs, but you always found a way back to each other. No matter how difficult things got, you found ways to move forward. That's probably why it hurts when the universe takes one person from your life.
One minute you were besties and the next, you became strangers. But while it feels bleak, it's a blessing in disguise. Sometimes, to become the most powerful version of ourselves, we gotta stand on our own two feet. Sometimes we need to see this essential person removed in order to see what might have been unhealthy or limiting about that relationship.
3. It gives you setbacks to make sure you learn a crucial lesson or skill
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Nobody likes setbacks. It doesn't matter how many motivational speeches you've heard, it is so frustrating to have go back to a stage you thought you were past. Especially after working so hard, the last thing we want is to fail. But these unexpected setbacks need to happen to show you how strong you are.
You may not like it, but failure shows us what isn't working and gives us room to change and improve. It forces us to step outside of our comfort zone and redefine our priorities. That's why you shouldn't take setbacks so hard. It's cheesy, but it'll always teach you something new about yourself.
4. It forces you to set boundaries
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The universe can't just write you a note and tell you that you need to set boundaries. Instead, it shows you that you truly want something, it'll force you to learn how to do this. In your relationships or at work, you won't remain passive. Especially if you want a happy life, you gotta be able to speak up for yourself. That's why remaining silent isn't an option.
As S.J. Quinney College of Law explained, "When we don't set and uphold effective boundaries, we give up our own power to take care of our own needs." So, don't be mad the next time you have that awkwardly intense conversation. It'll only make you stronger.
5. It shows you that what you've feared can be overcome
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Fears are frustrating to deal with. Even when you know the fear is silly or something you can overcome, your body sometimes overrides that intellectual understanding.
Yes, we often make a bigger deal out of our fears than they're actually worth. Thankfully, the universe won't let you ruminate for too long. By facing your fears head-on, you realize the things you once feared aren't as powerful as you imagined.
This is exactly why you're so powerful. It doesn't just lead to resilience. It helps keep us safe from dangerous situations. So, the next time you're scared, don't be too ungrateful. The universe is helping you grow into your best, most hyper-aware self.
6. It reminds you that you've already survived, and will survive again
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Like everyone else, you've been through tough times and it can be easy to get stuck in the past, afraid it will happen again. But instead of ruminating, the universe will demand that you remember just how far you've come. It will throw new challenges or opportunities your way so you can move past what went wrong.
Sure, life isn't ideal now, but this doesn't mean it's over. Just like you've overcome the past, you'll overcome this situation too, and that's the message you need to absorb.
It's hard, but tough times strengthen us and give us the energy to celebrate life. It helps us rise to the occasion and appreciate what we have now. So, don't let obstacles tear you down. The universe isn't set to destroy you. It wants to strengthen you.
7. It places you around people who challenge you
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You won't remain the same way forever. If you truly want to learn and grow, the universe will push you by placing you around people who will challenge you. Will it be annoying at first? Absolutely. Nobody likes conflict or pushback when they're not in the mood for it.
But the more they're respectfully challenged (not mistreated or abused, obviously), the more grateful they become for the opportunity to grow. Especially if it's from someone they respect, their criticism won't tear them down. It'll motivate them to new heights.
8. It allows you to experience rejection and then recover
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Do people like rejection? No, it feels horrible. But just because rejection sucks doesn't mean it's evil. But the universe knows that rejection is needed to fuel us to grow . It humbles us and pushes us to improve. The more we get used to handling and recovering from it, the more powerful we become. That's why the universe gives us setbacks.
It isn't out to get us. It's out to remind us that the only thing worse than experiencing rejection is never experiencing rejection at all. Especially if the goal is to become strong, never facing discomfort is dangerous.
9. It reminds you that you can make your own decisions without needing approval
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A portion of the population are people-pleasers. They won't admit it, but as social creatures, we hate feeling judged negatively or excluded. That's why we try desperately to cater to others' opinions before we learn how strong we are.
Deep down inside, we're terrified of being ostracized. But while this fear is valid, we need to learn how to balance our need to belong with our need to be authentic. Thankfully, the universe gives us plenty of practice, as it reminds us that we can make our own decisions without needing anyone's approval.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology topics.
