dream

Jul

2022

4 More Tips to Improve Your Financial Wellness

Reading Time: 2 minutes

We have provided common sense money advice before. Here are 4 more tips to help you improve your financial wellness. These additional tips should be a big boost to transforming your financial wellness for the better.

1. Pay in Cash

To help you stick to your budget; you need to remove the temptation to swipe your credit card. So it is better to carry cash with you. This way, you can allocate different amounts to different expenses instead of taking out your credit card. You can use envelopes or your wallet dividers to visually distribute your money. With this method, you also get to see how much money you have left. This means that you will be able to say “No” to some expenses or money leaks that is not allocated for in your current budget. Paying for your purchases in cash is one way to help you get closer to your goal of being debt-free.

2. Build Savings

Before you start investing; make sure that you already have your emergency savings in place. Your savings account should be equal to 6 months of your income. This allows you to be able to pay for your basic necessities and regular expenses in case you lose your job. It will also ensure that you have money to support you in case of emergency situations such as needing to repair your house due to natural calamities or needing to buy a new laptop for work, etc. This is different from an allocated savings account for planned expenses. For example, if you want a new sofa; then you can save up for that amount aside from your emergency savings.

3. Financial Health Check

As you are tracking your expenses and trying to stick to your budget; it is important to do a regular health check of your finances. This allows you to see where you can improve things and create a better budget that suits your current needs and goals. If you are paying-off credit card debt, then talk to personnel from your bank to review where you are in your goal. If you are already investing, then review your losses and gains and any potential areas for further growth. More importantly, check the status of your savings; have you maintained it and/or is it growing as your income has grown? What other things can you do to generate more income?

4. Maximize Employee Benefits

One more thing that you can do to improve your financial wellness is to check if your employer provides financial wellness programs. This could be in the form of monthly contributions (thru government agencies) or other programs offered by the company itself with other 3rd party partners. For example, your company might have partnered with a bank to provide employees with special rates for maintaining a time deposit or savings account. Ask your colleagues or inquire from designated personnel in your office if these options are available.

If you are just starting out on your financial wellness journey; make sure that you do your financial wellness assessment first. This way, you know which areas you can improve on and which areas you are good at currently. Don’t forget to keep improving your financial literacy as well. Remember that there is no one budget or investment strategy that fits everyone and works all the time. You always need to be aware about where your money goes so you can adjust your financial strategies accordingly.

Feature Image: Original Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash.

Jun

2022

5 Advantages of Traveling Solo

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Have you traveled solo? Traveling on a road trip with companions is always more fun. However, not all of your travel buddies might be available to travel with you all the time; so why not consider traveling solo? Traveling solo may seem boring but it can actually be a fun trip. You can enjoy it as much as when you’re traveling with somebody else.

Try traveling solo at least once in your life and get to enjoy some of its advantages:

1. A Sense of Absolute Freedom

When traveling alone you’ll relish a sense of absolute freedom even more. You won’t have to fit in with any one else’s agenda for the day. You’ll get to do the things you really want to do without being pressured by your peers or having to consider somebody else’s travel preferences.

2. Take Your Own Sweet Time

Traveling solo means you can spend your time the way you want. Want to spend the whole afternoon getting lost in a museum? Want to walk on foot to take pictures of the great architecture? You can indulge in what you truly want without having to cut your time short. Just immerse yourself in what you enjoy doing the most. Focus on the things that make you feel like your travel will be worth it.

**Green Goo**
Empower Change + Redefine Natural Body Care

3. Enhance Your Self Reliance

Going on a trip alone also means that you need to plan things carefully before hand. So if you’re not the type to research, you’ll have to develop the skill in order to plan your trip. During the trip, you will also learn how to ask questions on your own and ask help from total strangers when you need it. Traveling by yourself will not only help you increase your research and social skills, it will also help you build your self-confidence in the process. Be sure to observe proper etiquette when traveling to avoid any awkward situations.

4. Expand Your Network of Friends

Usually, when we travel with a group or a friend, we tend to stick with the group or with our friend. When you travel alone, you will naturally get to interact with many new people, some of which might end up as your travel companions for the duration of your trip and maybe even friends who will want to travel with you in the future. You can actually expand your network of friends when you travel alone. How many love stories were born out of meeting each other while traveling on their own?

5. Really Getting to Unplug

Traveling alone means you’re not tied to your phone to chat with your travel buddies on where they are at the moment and where you will meet next. Since you are by yourself, you can put your mobile device and other gadgets away whenever you want to and just enjoy the present moment without worrying about other people’s whereabouts.

Got more ideas on the fun you can have when traveling solo? Do share them with us.

Updated. First published on Pinoy Smart Living on 2019.05.16.
Feature Image: Original Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash.

Jun

2022

Your Network is Your Net Worth

Reading Time: 3 minutes

What makes a good life? Whether you dream of success, health, wealth or happiness; the answer remains the same. It all boils down to your relationships to the people around you. As Jim Rohn said “Your network is your net worth”.

So, ask yourself. Who are the people around you? Did you know that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with? Who you hang out with highly influences your future. Do you spend time with positive and successful individuals? Or do you spend more time with toxic people who have nothing to do but complain all day?

Be careful with the people whom you surround yourself with. They have the power to dramatically change your life – whether it be for the better or for the worse.

Porter Gale, an internationally renowned public speaker and former VP for marketing wrote a book entitled Your Network is your Net Worth: Unlock the Hidden Power of Connections for Wealth, Success and Happiness in the Digital Age. The book is about the importance of building a strong network in your life to help you in your journey towards your goals. For her, it is not just about connecting with people but rather it is about making powerful and meaningful connections.

There used to be six degrees of separation among people on planet earth. But according to a study done by a French mobile carrier; in this digital age, this degree of separation is now just lowered to three. Everyone can be connected to everyone by just three degrees by linking people with their interests. This means the probability of meeting anyone on this planet is now higher than ever. So, the real question now is who do you want to meet? What kind of people do you think can help you towards your journey to success?

Here are some insights from the book:

Here are some key points from the author:

1. Remove Barriers

Reflect on yourself and ask what’s holding you back from making connections?

If your inner voice is giving you a negative message, look at what it stems from.

2. Use your Passion to Start Connecting

Connecting and meeting people is easy. It happens every now and then. However, establishing a deeper and more meaningful connection is a challenge. More so, if you are an introvert. Join an interest group. And start attending events about your passion. Connecting with people with the same interest is so easy because you will have a lot of things to talk about. In addition, through your passion, you are connecting to the world using your authentic self. Start by identifying 3 of your passions.

3. Identify your Tonality

According to Porter Gale, one important question to ask yourself is “How do you want to be seen in the world?” It is about creating your own personal brand. What persona do you want to project? In marketing, it is similar to market positioning. What are your interests? What topics are you knowledgeable and comfortable talking about? In short, tonality is all about how you want to present yourself to the world.

4. Have A Producer Mindset

Are you a producer or a consumer? Producers are the creators while consumers are those who buy the products. While both are equally important, it is advisable to be in a producer mindset. A producer mindset asks “what value am I bringing to the table?” It is all about helping others. It is focusing on the “we” instead of the “me”.

Helping others, that must be one ingredient to success.

5. Respect Others

To build a deeper and more meaningful network, it is also necessary to learn to respect others. Respect everyone regardless of age, sex, gender, profession or income.

Your Network is Your Net Worth

Learn to connect and value relationships with the right people. Focus also on helping others. And they will help find your way to success.

A great society comes from strong bonds.
– Porter Gale

If you will be given a chance to sit and have a real conversation with any person in the planet in the bench above, who would you choose? And why?

So, what are you waiting for? That person is just three degrees separated from you. Good luck!

Jun

2022

Signs That You Are Enjoying Occupational Wellness

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Day dreaming in your job instead of working in your dream job? Not all of us may be working in our dream job yet, but we still need to ensure our occupational wellness. Here are some signs that tell us that we are at least enjoying occupational wellness in our work life.

Remember that occupational wellness means “being able to achieve a balance between work and leisure with the freedom to make choices that promote personal satisfaction and career growth.” So the following signs should be taken into consideration with the end goal of achieving work-life balance.

A Sense of Purpose

Your current job may not be your dream job or your life purpose but at least what you are doing in your current job should give you a sense of purpose. You should have a clear understanding of how your work affects other people in your work place and/or outside it. In this way, you have a sense of satisfaction or accomplishment when you do a good job for a project or when you finish your tasks each day.

Developing Your Strengths

Usually, you are hired for the job because you have the skills to fulfill the job responsibilities. However, what you do should also help you hone your skills further through both practical experience and gaining new knowledge. You should have a sense of improvement in your tasks and projects as well as in your relationships with the people you are working with. Being excited to flex your skills and knowledge in your workplace is one of the signs that you are enjoying occupational wellness.

Motivational Challenges

One of the ways to develop your strengths and to gain new knowledge and experience is to tackle on challenges. You may be assigned new tasks or given bigger responsibilities in your job. Special training may be provided you or your company welcomes you taking some time to train yourself outside of work. These are healthy challenges that help you grow in your career. If you have the confidence to tackle the challenge then welcome them with enthusiasm. Be open to the change and the future possibilities that it can bring.

Healthy Communication

A healthy working environment includes clear communication lines. When you are giving a challenge and you think you need help; then you should be able to do so without fear of any repercussions. Being able to talk to both your superiors and subordinates about your job expectations and challenges, as well as toxic workmates and situations, are good signs that you are enjoying occupational wellness in your career. This also means being able to talk about how you want to improve in your job and how your company can support your goal of improvement.

Healthy Boundaries

Your job should allow you to have a life outside of your job. You should be able to spend adequate time with your family and friends while being able to perform well in your job. Your home life should not suffer because of your job and vice versa. Vacations and sick leaves should be treated as such and respected. Unless it’s an emergency; you shouldn’t have to worry about your work while on your family vacation. In the same way; you should be able to focus on your work and not be distracted by your family members unless it’s your break time.

If you think your occupational wellness is suffering; then check out some ways to help you improve your occupational wellness score.

Feature Image: Original Photo by Windows on Unsplash.

Jun

2022

Dreams of A Better Future

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Do your dreams reflect that of a better future? Not just for you, for everyone around you; even for the world. The dreams that you vaguely recall upon waking up are not what we mean here. We mean the dreams that you have consciously; the ones that you created in your own magic shop, which you constantly visualize; those that you’ve listed on your bucket list. Your dreams can be a preview to your future. It all depends on how you will work to turn them into reality.

No matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.
– Lupita Nyong’O

We sometimes hesitate to craft new dreams or pursue our childhood dreams because of failures and the fear of failing again. Our negative experiences in the past has made us fearful. We may have felt guilty for disappointing our parent’s expectations, our bosses, our colleagues and friends, even complete strangers. The next time, we failed keeping a promise to an important person in our life; we disappointed someone. As negative experiences like this piled up; so did our fears of dreaming. This does not mean we should stop dreaming or pursuing our dreams. Let us be driven by our passion instead of our fears.

If you have a heartbeat, there’s still time for your dreams.
– Sean Stephenson

There is no correct time to start working on your dream or to give up on them. It is all up to you. What you dream about is all up to you. You can shape your future any way you want it to be. Each one of us is a creator with different skills. Unleash your own genius and continue working on your dreams. Take the risk and try something new. You will never know what you are capable of if you don’t try different things. It is usually through this journey that you stumble upon your life purpose. Remember that it is never too late to dream again or to pick up on your dreams. As long as you are alive; you can choose to move forward.

If your dreams don’t scare you they are too small.
– Richard Branson

Have you ever heard the advise to “dream big”? What does that actually mean? How do you know that your dreams are big enough? One of the ways to know if your dreams are big enough is if they scare you. It is scary to pursue them because they may seem impossible to achieve. You may feel foolish because you will be taking too big of a risk. You cannot control all the things that can help you succeed. However, you can prepare for them. Challenges are always part of the journey to success. All you need to do is to keep showing up to work on your dream, one small step at a time.

A single dream is more powerful than a thousand realities.
– J.R.R. Tolkien

Don’t be intimated by what others have already achieved. Just keep working on that one single dream that you truly want to come true. You never know how much it can change your life or how it will benefit other people in the long run. Stay focused and you will wake up one day with your dream already a reality. It may not put you in the history books but it will surely put you in the hearts of the people who got involved with you in the journey. Then, when you have achieved your dream; you can dream again – a bigger dream maybe. Keep on dreaming and working on your dreams.

Feature Image: Original Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash.

May

2022

5 Tips to Avoid Toxic Chemicals in Your Home

Reading Time: 4 minutes

All of us want to live and work in an environment that makes us feel safe and protected. Unfortunately, not all of us are aware of the many harmful substances that may make their way into our home.

This is not only from the products we use but even in the food we eat. These are not only detrimental to our physical health but also to our environmental wellness. Therefore, it is very important that we start doing our part in keeping our environment as safe as possible from toxic chemicals and substances that may harm us and our whole family.

Here are some tips to avoid toxic chemicals in our home, office and other living spaces.

1. Makeover Your Personal Care Products

A lot of personal care products contain chemicals that are harmful to our health and the environment. These products are applied directly to our skin so we absorb them easily. Some of these ingredients lack the needed research to guarantee their safety while some pollute the water or the soil when we wash them away.

Next time you go shopping for personal care items, be sure to read the label. Avoid buying items with parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, and oxybenzone, just to name a few. It is also recommended to avoid products with fragrance. Try to shop for cleaners, laundry detergents and other products that are labeled “fragrance free”. Always read the labels. Some products are labeled “unscented” but it does not mean they are chemical-free.

Go online and try to find brands that use safer, natural ingredients. Finally, try reducing the number of products you use and use them less frequently to reduce your exposure.

2. Ditch Air Fresheners and Disinfectants

Air fresheners are one of the most chemically-laden items in our shopping list. They include many chemicals that may disrupt hormonal production and other health concerns. Instead of picking up an air freshener, try more healthy ways of removing unpleasant odors in your home.

Open a window to get natural ventilation. Set out a bouquet of fresh or dried flowers to add a floral scent to your environment. You can also simmer herbs or spices such as cinnamon or vanilla, on a stove to make your whole space smell good, naturally.

Be sure to regularly clean your home to prevent unpleasant odors from invading your space. Having plants around the house also helps to reduce air pollution. If your home feels dull and stale; then try clearing the energy of the whole space to brighten things up.

Disinfectant products and antibacterial soaps may also have chemicals that can irritate the skin and lungs. Some are linked to asthma, fertility and other reproductive issues. Check the labels for ingredients named “…onium chloride” such as benzalkonium chloride and avoid buying them.

3. Go BPA-Free and Avoid Plastics

Bisphenol-A (BPA) exposure is linked to a lot of hormone-related health issues. It is commonly found in can liners, plastic items and paper receipts such as those from ATMs.

To avoid BPA, reduce consuming canned goods and choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead. If possible, use storage items made from glass or lined cardboard instead of cans. Avoid taking paper receipts from ATMs, grocery stores and other places unless really needed.

If possible, use glass jars or ceramic bowls to store food instead of plastic containers. Plastic items may contain toxic additives, heavy metals and other harmful compounds which may leach out over time. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) known as poison plastic can be found in a lot of products from toys, cookware to shower curtains. So again, read labels before buying and try to find safer alternatives.

Avoid plastics with recycle symbols #3 (PVC), #6 (polystyrene), and #7 (other) as these have greater potential for leaching toxins and are hard to recycle. Finally, never microwave plastic; wash them by hand instead of using the dishwasher.

4. Turn Down the Heat on Non-Stick Cookware

Teflon is a popular material for non-stick cookware. Despite it’s convenience, it releases perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) when heated to 450 degrees. This chemical is linked to a lot of developmental health risks and even cancer.

If you already have non-stick cookware, try to prevent the release of PFOA by keeping the stove at or below medium heat when cooking. You can also reduce the heat once it starts boiling to prevent the temperature from rising during cooking.

Use wooden spoons and ladles for cooking instead of steel, silver or plastic to avoid scratching your cookware. Throw out non-stick cookware that have scratches to avoid chemical leaching into your food. When buying new cookware, choose cast iron or stainless steel pans instead.

5. Keep Harmful Chemicals Out of Your Home

Your shoes can bring in toxic chemicals from outside your home. Clothing items do too but at least you can wash them regularly. Get into the habit of taking your shoes off before entering the house. Use a door mat to clean off your shoes and slippers. Have a designated place to put your shoes and slippers near the door and clean that corner regularly.

Having plants around your home is also a good way to help filter out toxic chemicals. However, if you use chemically-laden products for your gardening; then it is time to reduce use of them. Instead of buying commercial fertilizers; you can make your own compost from your meal prep leftovers.

One of the best ways to reduce chemical exposure in your home is to make your own cleaning products, even your own personal care products. These can be fun, cheap and easy projects using items that are already in your home such as vinegar and baking soda. You can find plenty of recipes online. Good luck!

Feature Image: Original Photo by Jules D. on Unsplash.

May

2022

The Four Agreements: A Code of Conduct for Happiness

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Four Agreements was published in 1997. It has sold around 10 million copies and has been on the New York Times Bestselling list for almost a decade. In this book, retired surgeon and Eagle-Knight shaman Don Miguel Ruiz provides a code of conduct that we can follow to reduce suffering and find peace in our every day life.

Don Miguel Ruiz states that everything we do is based on agreements that we make. These are agreements we make with our selves, with our family members, bosses, colleagues, clients, even with God and with life, in general. By observing the four agreements; we can transcend the limiting beliefs that keep us bound to the rules and boundaries of our every day reality. It gives us a different perspective on how we can live a life of freedom, truth, happiness and love.

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word

The way we talk to ourselves is the way we talk about others and to the rest of the world. Therefore, it is important be careful with how we use our words. Get in the habit of saying only what you mean and when in doubt, say nothing at all. This is especially important in the age of social media where fake news and gossip are easily created, distributed and consumed.

Words transform. Speak only with good purpose. Say only things that serve you and others. Choose your words wisely.
– Robert G. Allen

Before you pass on information or to deal with information from others; keep in mind Socrates’ Triple Filter Test: Is it true? Is it good or kind? Is it useful? If you can’t answer YES to any of the 3 questions, then it’s best not to spread the word. Remember, think before you speak or before you click to share.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally

Remember that the words and actions of other people are the products of their own experiences. Keep in mind that if you were in their shoes; you might speak and act the same way that they do as well. You can always choose to avoid toxic people. You can always choose to not to behave like a toxic person yourself.

We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. It’s one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it’s another to think that your’s is the only path.
– Paulo Coelho

Few people are conscious of their own actions and are not always able to control themselves in various situations.

People love to judge, get used to it and stop taking it personally.
– Kathryn Budig

So, if someone reacted negatively to you; don’t take it to heart. They may just be having a bad day but that shouldn’t affect your whole day.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions

Assumptions are one of the most popular cause of misunderstanding. A lot of disappointments are often the result of people assuming things without asking the other person if it is true, if they approve of the information, if they agree to the conditions, etc. We often assume that we have a “mutual understanding” and then we end up suffering from unmet expectations. Of course, this is unfair to the other person who was not even aware that you had such expectations of them.

The most misleading assumptions are the ones you don’t even know you’re making.
– Douglas Adams

Instead of assuming, look and listen without judgment. Be courageous enough to ask questions to clarify and to understand. When someone is giving an answer to your question, truly listen. Be aware of your own tendency to assume things about yourself and other people as well as about certain situations.

4. Always Do Your Best

We always want to be the best we can be, at all times. We forget that our best changes from moment to moment even as our thoughts and emotions change from moment to moment. Even our goals change throughout the day just as the people around us are constantly coming and going along. Not everyone can be the best at everything they want or do. Everyone has different abilities and is good at different things; so it is also not good to always compare yourself with other people.

Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.
– Maya Angelou

Instead of aiming to be consistently good all the time; aim to do your very best with what you can, with what you have, from where you are, at the moment. It is not everyday that you can run a mile in the same number of minutes; sometimes you have to limp along in order to reach the finish line. The important thing is you accomplished something and progressed a little bit towards your goal instead of doing nothing to move forward.

It will take a lot of discipline and consistent practice to truly master observance of the four agreements. You will need to love yourself enough to recognize and accept your own self-imposed agreements. By being aware of these limiting beliefs you imposed on yourself; you can forgive yourself and create better agreements. Start with yourself so you can become more confident to do the same with other people around you.

Feature Image: Original Photo by Chris Liverani on Unsplash.

Jan

2022

A Fresh Start

Reading Time: < 1 minute

New Year means a new beginning. It is the time to reflect on the previous year. It is also the perfect time to start life anew. Start the year by taking a few moments to recall the events of the previous year. Sit in a quiet place. Make yourself comfortable. As you look back, ask yourself the following questions:

What was the highlight of the year?
When were you the happiest?
What was your biggest struggle?
How were you able to overcome it?
What lessons did you learn from the experience?
Are you happy with where you are in your life right now?

New Year, New Beginning

After looking back, it is now time to look ahead. The past is the past. You can no longer change the events of the past but your future is still in your hands. The New Year is the perfect opportunity for you to do things differently. It is the time for a fresh start. This year marks the beginning of a new decade. Set some goals in order to change or improve certain aspects of your life for the coming year and the years ahead.

Now, start visualizing. Success always starts with a vision. See yourself in the future.

What do you want to accomplish this year?
How do you see yourself in 5 years? How about in 10 years?
What would your ideal life look like?
What hobbies would you be pursuing?
Is there anything that you want to change or improve in your life?
What do you need to achieve in order for you to consider yourself a success?

Start in redesigning the life that you want. Together, let’s recreate a better, happier, healthier and wealthier life.

Click here to get a copy of the A Fresh Start worksheet.

Click here to watch the video.

First published 01.03.2020

Dec

2021

Redesign your Life Through a Bucket List

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Everyone is so busy in modern life. We are always pressed for time. It feels like the 24-hours that we have is never enough to be able to do all the things that we need to do in one day. However, despite our busyness, do you ever feel like you are not really getting anything done? Ask yourself, how many substantial things were you able to accomplish this week, last year or even in your whole life? If you are to die today, will you be able to say that you have lived a purposeful and meaningful life? If you can’t answer the question, it is a sign that you need a fresh start. It is time for you to redesign your life by creating a bucket list.

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What is a Bucket List?

A bucket list is a list of things that you want to do before you die. It can be a list of goals that you want to accomplish, things that you want to achieve, places that you want to go to and activities that you want to experience. The purpose is that when you look back into your life towards the end of your life, you can honestly and happily say that “Yes! I have lived a wonderful life!”

How to Make a Bucket List?

Making a bucket list is quite easy. All you need is a pen and paper or create a new text document. Now, ask yourself the following questions:

What are your biggest goals and dreams?
Are there any skills that you want to learn?

What activities do you want to experience?
Are there places that you want to visit?
If you have all the time and money in the world, what will you be doing?
Are there people that you want to meet?

In short, the list is all about you and your definition of what a fulfilling life is. There is no right or wrong answer. There are no restrictions. Just write what comes to your mind. What is it that you want? Do not be afraid. After all, it is free. But do remember that you have to be very specific. For example, if you want a car don’t just write the word car. Write “a ______ (color) ________ (model) _________ (brand). Don’t be bothered also by the process. Just have fun writing down everything your heart desires.

Bucket List Categories

Now start writing them down. Write as many as you can. Try to write up to 100. Why 100? It is because it will force you to totally visualize the future that you want for yourself. It is To make it easier for you, arrange your list into the following categories:

Goals I Want to Achieve
Things I Want to Own
Places I Want to Visit
Activities I Want to Experience
Skills I Want to Learn
People I Want to Meet
Books I Want to Read
Foods I Want to Try
Questions I Want Answered About Myself

It is understandable that some categories will have more entries compared to the others. It all depends on your values and what’s important to you. However, as much as possible, it would be better to list down more or less an equal amount of entries in the different categories in order to have a well-balanced life. Do take in mind also the different dimensions of wellness. For example, it is useless to have a successful work and career if you have a sour relationship with your family. In the same way, no amount of wealth in the world can help you if you have neglected your health. So, the key in making a bucket list is balance. Remember also that a well-balanced life is the key to your overall wellness.

Redesign your life by creating a bucket list now!

Click here to get a free copy of the bucket list worksheet.

Click here to watch the video.

Image Credit: stux from Pixabay Images

First published in 01.23.2020

Sep

2021

Ways the Universe Sends Messages

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Feeling lost in life? Do you feel isolated from the rest of the world? It is painful and lonely. But if it is any consolation, know that you are not alone. Everyone goes through that feeling more so if you are at a crossroad in life. There are really days when you will feel like you have lost it. The good news is that there is a greater power out there whom you can rely on. And if you are searching for answers, the universe will send you messages to guide you and lead you to the right path. The real challenge lies on how to identify the messages. It is quite tricky but if you will really pay attention, you will realize that the signs are everywhere. You just need to be aware of them. Here are some ways the universe sends messages:

Only those who can see such signs of life are able to find treasure.
– Paulo Coelho from The Alchemist

1. Animals

You have heard stories from ancient times on how certain animals are actually signs from the universe.They are very sensitive and can sense the energy around them. For example, many cultures around the world associate butterflies with souls from departed loved ones. If you see one, it is said that it is time to let go and start anew. Cats on the other hand are a symbol of mysticism. Since it is all a mystery, cats are both loved and feared throughout history. Meanwhile, sightings of hawks indicate courage and opportunity. It means you are now ready to take on new responsibilities.

2. Dreams

Do you remember the last time you had a dream? What was it about? Dreams are actually bridges that connect us to the spiritual realm. It is a clear way for the universe to interact with us and send us messages. That’s why since ancient times, you have heard of dream interpreters. It is difficult to remember our dreams, much more to interpret them. For example, try to recall. Have you ever dreamt of a deposed loved one? What was the person trying to tell you? What was the message? So, if you ever dreamt of something at night; try to recall and write down your dream before you forget.

3. Illnesses

Most of the time, illnesses indicate that you are sick physically. But there are times that illnesses are actually a way of the universe trying to tell you that you have unresolved spiritual or emotional issues in your life. Have you ever experienced feeling sick and the doctor can’t seem to pinpoint what is wrong with you? Then, the doctor will end up telling you that your sickness is caused by stress. Well, the pain that you are feeling is but a physical manifestation of the unresolved spiritual and emotional issues.

4. People

The most common way the universe sends messages is through other people. That’s why it is important to listen to what other people are saying; regardless of who they are. The messages can come from people who are younger, less successful and less smart than you are. Obviously, not everything you hear is a sign. The key here is to pray or to ask the universe first your question. In this way, you will be able to recognize it right away if another person talks about it. For example, you are contemplating on whether to have a baby or not. You suddenly bumped into an old classmate who is pushing a stroller with a cute and adorable baby on it. You had a quick chat and she talks on and on about how she felt happier and fulfilled to become a mom. That is actually the answer to your question. It is the way of the universe giving you a glimpse of what your life will be if you push through with your decision.

5. Random Thought

Have you ever experienced a random thought suddenly popping into your head? This is what is called your intuition. It is any information that suddenly appears in our thought without conscious effort. It is when you are thinking about something else, and then suddenly, a brilliant idea pops into your head that is totally off-tangent. More of an “a-ha” moment. If this ever happens to you, do remember that the idea will disappear as soon as it pops out. That is why there is such a thing as the 5-second rule. This means that you only have 5-seconds to act on the idea. If it is not possible, it helps to have a small notebook handy so that you can keep a diary of your random thoughts and act on them later.

6. Repeating Numbers

Do you keep on seeing repeating numbers? For example, you woke up in the middle of the night and the time was 1:11 am. The next day as you drive yourself to work, you have noticed the plate number of the car in front of you is 111. At lunchtime, you met a long time friend. You asked for his number. The last three digits of his phone number are 111. Coincidence? No, it’s not. Those are angel numbers. It means that the universe is sending you a message. If you see repeating numbers, research what it means to find out what the universe is trying to tell you.

7. Recurring Problems

Have you ever felt like you kept on encountering the same problem over and over again? For example, you have a pain in your back that never disappears or you keep on having issues with your direct supervisor. It can also be money problems or relationship problems. If problems keep on recurring, it is the universe telling you that you have not learned your lesson and have not solved the root of the problem.

8. Setbacks

Lost your job? Did not get the promotion? Failed an examination? Rejected by your loved one? Detours, roadblocks and setbacks are common in life. Even if we did our best, there are just some things beyond our control. If this happens to you, know that it is a sign that the universe is telling you something. It is either redirecting you to the correct path or telling you that now is not yet the time.

Be thankful for closed doors, detours and roadblocks. They protect you from paths and places not meant for you.
– Suzanne Heyn

9.Songs

Have you been hearing the same songs over and over again? Or did a song just pop out of your head for no reason? If this ever happens to you, check the lyrics of the song. What is the song’s message? The universe is trying to send you the message through the song. If it is not in the lyrics, maybe it is in the time the song was released. Like if the song was popular in your younger years, the universe may be telling you to go back to the time when you were young, innocent and at peace with yourself.

10. When Everything Falls into Place

The opposite of setbacks is when everything seems to fall into place. You are inspired, happy and good things keep on coming your way. People and opportunities kept on presenting themselves to you. It is a sign that you are on the right path.

11. Words

You are riding on a bus and the person beside you is reading a newspaper. You caught a glimpse of a line on the newspaper. What is it saying? You ate at a Chinese restaurant and they give free fortune cookies. There is a message inside the cookie, what does it say? Sometimes, the universe sends us messages through words or phrases that suddenly caught our attention.

The point is signs are everywhere around us. It is just that we are so caught up in our world that we failed to notice the messages that our spirit guides are telling us. Be fluid and follow the signs in your life to find your purpose in life.

Be like water.
– Lao Tzu

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