Throughout my life, I have often felt that the universe guides me, line upon line, precept upon precept, one step at a time. As I move forward, I often feel unsure as to where I am going, feeling that I am wandering aimlessly, without direction or guidance. Yet when I look back, I can see there has been a clear and deliberate pathway that I have taken.

To me, it’s like I am walking along a darkened forest path and the universe has the flashlight. As I walk along this path, source directs the light one footstep ahead of my left foot and says, “step here.” Then it points to a step ahead of my right foot and repeats the directive.

There have been times when I get impatient and demand that I see further down the road, to see how my life is going to turn out. I feel inspired to start a new venture, but want to see if it will work out or not. Shall I accept this job? Should I move out of state? Is this relationship right for me?

I remember when I was contemplating graduate school. Getting my masters degree in psychology was a goal I had had since the day I graduated from college, but the pressures and responsibilities of work and children had kept the dream on the back-burner. Then the time came when it felt right to pursue this dream. It had been several years since I had been in school, and I worried about whether I could complete the requirements of grad school. I felt I needed a guarantee that I could do it before I could commit.

The universe, however, provided no such guarantees. Instead, I received inspiration; first to fill out an entrance application, then to actually submit the transcripts, next to meet with the admissions committee, etc. Each step felt right, but there was never an overview of the entire journey and never a guarantee. I simply was inspired and encouraged to take each step with no other promises given.

Steps taken, applications completed and documents submitted, I finally received word that I had been accepted. I was ecstatic. But with the excitement came a new fear. Could I produce grad school-level work?

In my childhood, I had low self-esteem and was an underachiever. I did not view myself as very smart, and so I never applied myself in school. In 13 years of public school, I had never taken a book home. The grades I received reinforced that I was not that bright. When I was in high school, I did not even imagine myself going to college, let alone grad school.
And yet here I was, contemplating not only enrolling in a master’s degree program but committing myself to a large student loan.

All the doubts and insecurities of my childhood returned. What if I couldn’t keep up with the younger, brighter students? What if I embarrassed myself in front of my instructors and classmates? Was it better to never attempt grad school and just keep telling myself I could have, if only…?

I kept looking to the universe, requesting some assurance that I would be able to complete this mission, some assurance that I would not crash and burn in my attempts to complete grad school.

Fueled by fear and insecurity, I decided I was not going to continue until I received confirmation from the universe that I would successfully complete my degree.

I am a stubborn and rebellious soul at times. I lock all fours and decide that I absolutely must see ahead. I demand to see the entire picture and vow that I will not take another step until I know my fate.

In these times, the universe just waits patiently for me to get over my obstinance. Tired of hitting brick wall after brick wall, I eventually humble myself and reach out to the universe, asking for guidance once again.

The universe had just such a plan this time, as well. My demands were answered with a loving, gentle – but firm – response to stay on the path of my heart’s desire and trust, understanding that the universe sees the entire picture and knows not only my heart but the heart of everyone connected with the situation. By letting go, trusting, and allowing myself to be led one step at a time, I was able to release my need to be in control and turn it over to universal love and wisdom. I came to realize that by walking the path lit by universal flashlights, there was no way I could embarrass myself; no way I could fail. I did get my master’s degree, and grad school became one of the most positive, rewarding, periods of my life.

Life is a journey, and the more I learn to trust, the easier I find it is to be trusting. Each time, an incredibly loving, patient and forgiving universe continues where I left off before and gently points the flashlight ahead again, ‘Step here... now here... now here... ”

Life is filled with choices and possibilities. The universe (God, Source, The Creator, etc.) does not adhere to a pre-destined script because we have free will and we choose each and every step of our way. Sometimes we are assured and move decisively through life. At other times, we are hesitant, unsure of where to go and afraid to take a first step. It’s at these times that universal flashlights shine most brightly. In the quiet reflection of your private self, release the need for guarantees and trust your heart. The universe will guide you. The path will be illuminated with a nudge to “step here.”

Back to articles