It’s the New Year! All around us people are planning for their next big goal, diet, or life change. Maybe you are even trying to have a baby, like me. Although it’s great, and sometimes even fun, to plan and set goals, it’s also important to know when to let go and trust the Universe. If you are feeling lost, confused, or just overwhelmed by all the New Year’s hype, then this blog post is for you. Let’s explore how to let go and trust the Universe together.

What does trust the Universe mean?

Basically, the Universe is a general term for a higher power. The Universe is everything that ever was, is, or will be. We are all a part of the Universe and affected by everything in it.

Trusting the Universe means letting go of your desire to control life and having faith that everything will fall into place in its time. This creates space to let things happen naturally and allows you to better connect with the world around you.

How to Let Go and Trust the Universe

The idea of letting go and trusting the universe sounds beautiful but what does that look like in real life?

Let Go

This first step may seem obvious but in order to let go and trust the Universe, you have to learn to let go.

I love the analogy of the open versus closed fist. Basically living with a closed fist means holding tightly to all I want, trying to control all the outcomes, and forcing everything to happen. Living with an open palm means placing my hopes and dreams out there but ultimately letting go and trusting that the Universe will give me what is right for me in perfect timing. 

If I want the Universe to give me a baby, can it put that baby in my deeply clenched fist? No. I have to be willing to open up and allow the Universe to give me what is meant for me, whether that matches up with my timelines or not.

Sometimes, when we are so focused on what we want for ourselves we accidentally prevent those dreams from becoming a reality by holding onto them too tightly. Living life with a metaphorical clenched fist leads to stress. Stress causes some serious damage to your mind, body, and soul.

Instead of stressing, hustling, and forcing your way through 2022, what if you unclenched that fist and just let it happen?

But What About Goals?

Goals are great. I am not against setting goals. I think goal setting is a wonderful way to hold yourself accountable and work toward change. However, I am against allowing those goals to cause you stress or to control your life. This is why I like creating vision boards. I set the intentions for the year and leave it in the hands of God to manifest in perfect timing. 

It is fine to use goals as a motivator and to set intentions for your life. However, you have to keep those goals in their place and not allow them to become your life. If you live your life with love it always works out for the best. 

Breathe

Your breath is your superpower. Deep breathing can be a powerful way to calm your body and mind (and unclench those fists). 

Slow, gentle breaths can release tension in your body – just think how much easier life will seem if you’re not all tensed up!

To help you relax during a moment of anxiety or frustration, try taking a few slow, deep breaths. It might sound silly, but taking these timeouts could have long-term relaxation benefits for both your mental well-being and physical health. Studies suggest that regular controlled breathing exercises may even help with a variety of physical illnesses.

Meditate

Practicing meditation can increase your self-awareness, decrease stress and help you focus on the present moment. Meditation practice also helps lessen anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness. (I’m sure we could all use a little of that right now!) It can also give you more happiness and peace of mind.

If you are new to meditation, start with guided meditations. I find having someone’s voice to listen to when I meditate helps me stay focused and keeps my mind from wandering. 

Visualizing your goals during Meditation is another great tool to help you see the life you want. You have to see it to be it. So, as you meditate, focus on seeing your goals in existence. I like to visualize my goals when I go to sleep and when I wake up; after giving thanks to the Universe for another day of life. 

Gratitude & Love

When we have an attitude of gratitude it’s impossible to be unhappy. Happy vibrations draw the best into our lives. The Universe gives us more when we are grateful for what we have now. 

Love is also a very high vibrational frequency. When we love ourselves and others, we open our hearts and become more compassionate. We also tend to be happier when we are surrounded by people we love. The love we give and receive to ourselves and others helps us connect with others on a deeper level, which can make the world a more beautiful place.

Being surrounded by love also encourages us to soften and release our grip on our life plans. We know that no matter what happens, we are loved and supported. Remember we are love, we came from love and love is all we need. 

Release Good Energy Into the World

Putting positive energy, or “good vibes,” into the world, is a great way to reframe your focus and find the good in all circumstances.

The easiest way to channel positive energy is by approaching life with a sense of gratitude. Try smiling and greeting people, recognizing all you have to be grateful for and giving to others without expecting anything in return.

Continually sending out love and kindness can change how we perceive the world. When we spread good thoughts, take a genuine interest in people’s lives, and share our blessings it brings us joy to know that our actions are benefiting someone else’s life just as much as they’re benefiting ours.

Repeating this practice can transform how you feel about yourself and how you look at others around you. Over time, it will become a habit to let go of negativity and find gratitude for everything that brings us joy instead!

Trust the Universe Affirmations

For the days when you are struggling to let go and trust the Universe, affirmations can be another great tool to get you back on track. Try repeating one of these affirmations to remind yourself that it will all work out in time.

• Trust that the Universe will provide.
• Trust that everything is unfolding as it should.
• The Universe’s timing is perfect.
• Trust the Universe to bring love.
• The Universe has a plan for you.
• Trust the Universe and let things happen.
• Let go and trust the Universe.
• Trust the Universe and trust yourself.
• I am not alone. The Universe is with me.

There are also some great quotes about trusting the Universe that you could print out to keep you focused on the bigger picture.

Ultimately, I want what is best for all of us in this coming year. However, instead of focusing solely on what you want as an individual, let your soul and the Universe be your guide. Set goals but hold them lightly. Work hard but love deeply. Breathe, relax and meditate your way through 2022. Surround yourself with love and give love freely to those around you. These practices will bring you more joy and fulfillment than goal setting and striving ever could. Join me in learning to let go and trust the Universe this year.