We’ve all had those moments where we kick back and say, “Okay, I just gotta let go and trust the universe.” It's often when things feel chaotic or overwhelming. We know it's time to surrender and learn to trust that things will work out.
But what does that really mean?
Trust truly is a deliberate practice.
We hear a lot about the importance of letting go, relinquishing the need to control, and learning to trust that things will be taken care of. While trusting the universe requires patience, it is also a deliberate practice. Here are five things to keep in mind when trying to trust the universe.
1. Recognize the universe is in you.
So often, when we get caught up in thinking that we need to "trust the universe," we somehow think an external force is going to step into our lives and save us from all the challenges we are experiencing.
In other words: we position ourselves as dependent and disempowered in relation to some elevated idea of "the universe." This thinking is based in fantasy: we act like Rapunzel, stuck in a tower with all that long hair, waiting for the prince to come and save her. But in reality, Rapunzel could have just tied the ends of her hair to the window frame and climbed down herself.
2. Letting go of limiting beliefs.
Sometimes when we're in the mindset of "just trusting the universe," we might focus too much on blindly letting go. But trusting the universe isn't about passively waiting to be saved. It's about taking a proactive approach, facing our fears, and identifying the limiting beliefs that hold us back. We cling to ways to hide and avoid stepping up. I know, this can be tough!
I held onto my beliefs about earning abundant money for far too long, until I realized that they were fears, not truths, just my own programming and limiting beliefs. Once I acknowledged this, I was able to change my mindset.
Fortunately, when the desire for change outweighs the comfort of staying in our old ways, remarkable things can happen. They did for me. I still have moments of doubt, but now I know I can handle them and, more importantly, know that they are not the truth!
3. The universe will serve you, not (necessarily) please you.
Sure maybe we all dream about magically receiving a million-dollar check. But I wonder if it would truly benefit us. Would getting a large sum of money without doing anything to earn it enable us to step into our power, embrace who we came here to be and allow us to truly use our gifts for the good? Hm, maybe, but for many, we’ve seen money do the opposite. I can hear people fighting me on this already!
I mean sure, receiving magic money would bring temporary pleasure, and the idea of never worrying about money again sounds appealing. However, true fulfillment comes from knowing that we can succeed on our own, facing our fears and limiting beliefs with determination, and with the universe supporting us. We can break free from this confinement on our own, thank you very much!
4. Sometimes, not getting what you want is a gift.
Sometimes, not receiving what you desire teaches you to be patient and wait for the right timing.
We also have to know that the universe might be protecting us from something that could have been harmful or detrimental in the long run. I know from personal experience that not getting what I wanted has served as a catalyst for personal growth. It prompted me to reassess my goals and values. So often by not getting what we think we want, we’re creating space for something even better or more aligned with our true desires to come into our life.
It can be a way the universe gets to guide you towards a path that is ultimately more fulfilling and in alignment with your highest good.
5. Everything comes back to the fierce power of love.
The ultimate force behind everything is love. To trust the universe, start by trusting yourself. Instead of just repeating "let go," identify what holds you back and release those specific barriers. Understand that the universe shows its love by guiding you, even when it doesn't align with your immediate desires. Sometimes, not getting what we want can lead to something better. Sometimes, not getting what we want is the most immense act of love.
To sum it up, trusting the universe is not about wishful thinking; rather, it’s about cultivating strength, resilience, and self-reliance. By recognizing the power within, letting go of limiting beliefs, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, you can learn to trust the universe in a more grounded and empowered way. It's all about taking control of your own destiny and trusting in the power within yourself.