10 Signs The Universe Sends To Let You Know You’re Gonna Be OK
Joao Serafim / Shutterstock Just when you feel like things are going so badly that nothing will ever work out for you again, you often suddenly experience some kind of special moment that reassures you it will all work out, even if you don't understand why. You can explain it away by citing selective attention or confirmation bias all you want. Many people can attest to receiving what can only be explained as signs from the Universe that let them know they would be OK, and then, well, they were.
In uncertain times, the people who believe in powerful ideas like this are the ones who actually find the most meaning in life. They find purpose in things most overlook, creating a powerful sense of inner guidance that most never tap into.
The Universe often sends these signs to let you know everything will be OK:
1. An owl
Trevor Rouselle from Getty Images via Canva
Owls historically represent wisdom, inner truth, change, and patience, especially during hard times, across cultures. While it’s rarely easy to cope with change, seeing an owl is a universal sign that reminds us that there is also so much good and growth to come from uncertainty.
If you’ve ever been crying as you drove home or sitting on your back porch struggling with a difficult decision, only to see an owl fly past you out of nowhere, that was likely a sign from the Universe to let you know you’re going to be okay. In fact, you’re going to be better than okay. You have life experience and authentic wisdom on your side, even if it doesn’t feel like you’re doing your best in the moment.
2. Repeating numbers
Sychronicities, also known as happy coincidences, can take shape in the form of repeating numbers like 1111 or 1234. If you suddenly notice them on a digital clock or a random piece of graffiti on the street, they’re often signs from the Universe that you’re going to be okay.
These numbers historically hold deep spiritual meaning, whether you believe in the meaning behind synchronicities or not, and can guide us on uncertain paths and seasons of life. My favorite, 1111, is often a fresh reminder of a new beginning. Especially when I notice it in times of turmoil or confusion, it’s a beautiful reminder that what I’m feeling right now won’t last forever.
3. Butterflies
Many insects, including dragonflies, ladybugs, beetles, and even spiders, carry powerful messages for us, especially when they appear in places where you wouldn't usually see them when you're going through tough times. Butterflies are a particularly hopeful, optimistic sign that the reason we’re not feeling like ourselves is that we’re evolving.
Much like a caterpillar into a butterfly, we’re constantly changing as people and going through new seasons of life. Sometimes, in the periods when it’s uncomfortable to change, outgrow things, and step into a new part of our lives, these are the Universe reminders and messages that give us the most hope.
4. Random quotes and sayings that you immediately understand
Sometimes, the Universe doesn't hide messages from us, but explicitly states that message in front of our faces in the form of graffiti or on the back of someone’s hoodie as we're walking on the street. They may even be displayed for the world to see on a bigger-than-life billboard.
We have a way of finding exactly what we need to find in just the right moments, whether that’s divine timing or spiritual intervention or not. Sitting and absorbing the way these quotes and sayings make us feel can provide more wisdom than rigid problem-solving and reflection ever will.
5. An unexpected feeling of peace
BGstock72 via Canva
Sometimes, the sign we need is actually an intuitive feeling. A rush of peace comes over you around someone new. A new thought puts your confusion into perspective. You suddenly feel calm in a situation where you’d normally be freaking out.
When we learn to lean into our intuition and trust our instincts, we can create meaning out of situations a past version of ourselves wouldn’t know how to handle.
6. An encounter with an uplifting stranger
We’re often happier when we create space to interact with strangers on a regular basis. And sometimes, crossing paths with a stranger in an unexpected way can be more meaningful than simply giving us a mood boost.
They may have the advice you didn’t know you needed. They may offer encouragement on a wildly hard day. The Universe makes sure people cross paths with the person they need when they need it most. So, instead of keeping your head down and living only in your mind, look up and take note of the people who are around you.
7. A specific song
Whether it’s a song you have emotional ties to or just one that you’ve never actually fully listened to in the moment before, messages from the Universe often come through songs.
Not only is music healing for both our mental and physical health, but it can also help us to make sense of things we don’t have the words to describe yet.
8. Unexpected sunshine
Natural light, even when we’re just soaking it up inside near a window, can instantly improve our mood. But sometimes a break in the clouds or a ray of sunshine feels even more profound and spiritual, without any clear explanation.
You're walking outside and feel the sunshine on your face after a long day when you notice that the sun came out just as you had a realization. There may even be a rainbow. These are the signs that may not come with a clear message, but certainly evoke important intuitive feelings that are in our best interest to follow.
9. A dog or cat approaching you
Kaelyn Korte from Getty Images via Canva
Whether they’re being walked in the park by their owners or coming out of hiding in random places, simply being approached by as innocent a creature as a dog or cat can be a sign in itself that you're going to be OK. Not only does it remind you of the purity and simplicity of a joyful life, but it makes you feel special that they chose to connect with you.
After all, if an animal sees you as a safe space you can rely on, can't you be a safe space for yourself?
10. Text messages and calls
While we often demonize the role that cell phones and technology play in our lives, the truth is that they can sometimes be a vessel for exactly the message we need. Whether it’s an inspirational TikTok we find at just the right moment or a text from an old friend that sort of comes out of nowhere, these can all be little cues that everything is working out for us.
Especially on hard days when we’re feeling lost, sometimes appreciating the meaning in these little things, even if they’re not incredibly profound, gives us a sense of direction again.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor’s degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
