Hints from the Universe: Are you Paying Attention?
Every now and again, I get subtle reminders that I’m not quite on my path—those quiet “hints from the universe” that make me pause and rethink where I’m headed.
It’s so easy to fall back into complacency and stick to the same routine I’ve lived for years. We all do it—settling into patterns that are comfortable but not necessarily fulfilling. Just the other day, I was chatting with my father on the phone as I drove home from work. Since my dad has dementia, I often find myself reminding him of the basics: where I live, who my kids are, what I do for a living, etc.
This time, I was sharing the exciting news that my daughter had landed a project illustrating a children’s book. Then, my dad asked, “What are you… 35 now?” I couldn’t help but laugh. “I wish!” I responded. But then I caught myself.
Thirty-five was tough. I had two young kids, was pregnant with a third, and had left my marketing career to be a stay-at-home mom. I was lost. But now, at 53, I feel so much more at ease in my own skin. I’ve gained wisdom, perspective, and—overall—a deeper appreciation of who I am.
“I take that back,” I told him. “I wouldn’t want to be 35 again. I like being 53.”
“You’re 53?! Oh my God… I can’t believe it,” he exclaimed, groaning. “Where have I been?” He paused, then quickly pivoted. “Well, I guess you’re catching up to me. So, tell me, what exciting things are you doing with your life now?”
Boom. There it was—coming from my dad, through his dementia, straight from the Universe.
What exciting things are you doing with your life now?
He’s right. At 53, the clock is ticking. NOW is the time to make exciting changes. NOW is the time to reinvent myself, not just for me, but so I can help others do the same. The important part? I didn’t mention my current job because, frankly, it’s not exciting to me. Sure, it pays the bills—and I’m grateful for that—but excitement? Not so much. So, I told him, “I started my own business where I coach women who feel stuck in their circumstances and want to make a big change, like changing careers, for example. I work on it evenings and weekends. Eventually, I want to leave my job and work for myself full-time.”
There. I said it. And in saying it to my dad, I was also saying it to the Universe.
There was a pause on the line, and then my dad said, “You know, Carolyn, I really don’t understand anything you say, but it always makes me happy to hear your voice.”
He might not have understood it, but in that moment, it became crystal clear to me! I need to get more focused and move the needle every single day. If I want this to take off, I have to make it my priority. So here I am, writing this post, with two sleeping dogs next to me. Earlier this week, I experimented with website templates. I’m taking action. Small steps, but consistent ones. And with each step, I know I’m getting closer to making my “exciting thing” a reality.
What about you?
Have you been noticing the hints the Universe is sending you? We all get them—sometimes in subtle ways, sometimes in big, unmistakable, slap-you-upside-the-head kinds of moments.
But the key question is: Are you paying attention?
Are you following through on the signs, or are you letting the comfort of routine hold you back? It’s never too late to make a change, to follow your passions, or to reinvent yourself.
So, I’ll ask you two simple questions:
What exciting things are you doing with your life right now?
And what’s one small step you can take today to move closer to it?
Because sometimes, the shift doesn’t come from a big, life-altering decision…
It starts with a moment.
A question.
A quiet realization that you’re ready for something more.
And maybe this is yours.
If you're ready to explore what’s possible for your future, reach out to me—let’s start this exciting journey together.
