Everything Happens for a Reason

“Everything happens for a reason,” said John Holland, a medium giving a presentation at the Hay House Conference here in Toronto. He said it’s his favorite saying, but he hates it all the same because it sounds so cliché. His real advice was to be aware – ask the universe to show you signs of what you should be doing and it will deliver. I have always believed this, but there have been times when the signals seem too subtle, while other times they have been contrary to my plans, so I’m resistant to follow this “silly” information.

Here’s an example: towards the end of my corporate career, I knew it was time to go. There were many signals, including some vivid dreams which I ignored because I liked my position. One day, something happened at work that violated my personal value system. I went on a walk with my sister to blow off some steam. When she asked what I planned to do, I tossed out the possibility of resignation to see how she would react. She was shocked. Like many of my friends and co-workers, she couldn’t imagine me not working. “Well, you know what they say,” I told her. “Everything happens for a reason. Maybe this is my signal that it’s time to go.” At that moment, we passed by a gift shop, and in the window was a coffee cup inscribed, “Everything happens for a reason.” I took it as a signal, and started making plans to leave. The next day I called my broker to discuss selling some stock, as I was going to need some money when I stopped taking a salary. I told him what had happened at work and his first words were – you guessed it – “everything happens for a reason.”

That was my final confirmation that it was time to move on. The universe gave me a signal and I followed it. I could have ignored it, but in my gut I knew it was right and there have been no regrets. All the traveling, speaking, and writing over the past couple of years has provided lots of growth. So look around, be aware, and pay attention to the signals – they are happening for a reason!