Daryl Wood's Blog

A few years ago I saw a funny quote that read “Every time the universe sends me a sign, I’m like ok but I think I’ll wait for a signier sign.” I thought that was hilarious then and I’ve repeated it to friends many times. Tonight, it doesn’t sound so funny as I contemplate how many times I’ve gotten a signier sign over and over again. What is it that makes us doubt the messages we get?

At first I thought it might be just procrastination, an unwillingness to have to act when I don’t want to. But that doesn’t always fit because there are so many times when I do what I need to do in spite of resistance. Another thought was fear. I must be just afraid to make a move. That also doesn’t fit because if fear was enough to stop me I wouldn’t have helped rescue our boat when it broke anchor and drifted onto a shoal last week.

Two decades ago when I was immersed in reading and listening to Caroline Myss I remember her saying “give up your need to know”. The way that lands with me now is that my insisting on knowing root causes and uncovering hidden meanings can sometimes keep me from being present and, quite possibly, paying attention to the signs from the universe. I’m all for seeking answers until that becomes the obsession that stalls forward motion. A clear example is that while in the city, I went to several stores looking for a product that I wanted. After three stores that would typically carry it I stopped to wonder if I was getting a sign. (Yes, we get signs about everything if we would only pay attention.) I decided to think about what I could use instead of the options that I hadn’t so far liked and … suddenly … I knew. Of course I could easily make the little bags I wanted. I have the material, sewing machine, thread and space. And they would be so much nicer and more meaningful than anything I could have purchased. The signs were telling me to create something beautiful rather than settle for a cheap alternative.

This was a simple example and it still points to paying attention to what the universe is trying to tell me. In particular, I’ve been intentional about my health for a long time. Lately, I notice I’m ignoring the signs from my body. As I search for my favourite ice cream in three stores (there seems to be a pattern here) I wonder if I’m getting a sign to give some conscious thought to my actions instead of impulsively following an urge. That’s a game changer.

What signs have you been getting about changes in your life? What have you listened to? What have you avoided? How might your life be different if you embraced the signs and followed the wisdom of the universe as it supports you living with joy and peace?