When the Universe Hits Fast-Forward: Embrace Change, Growth, and New Opportunities
- Bonnie Strati
- Feb 11
- 4 min read

“Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you.”
~ Unknown
Let’s be real—life has a wild sense of humor. Just when you think you’re cruising at a comfortable speed, life pulls a plot twist, slams a door shut, and launches you into warp drive. One minute you’re casually dragging your feet through a chapter you’re not quite ready to close, and the next, BAM—the universe makes the decision for you.
Sound familiar? So what do you do when life throws you into fast-forward mode?
Spoiler alert: You lean in.
Let’s chat about how to recognize when the universe is giving you a nudge (or a full-on shove) and how to embrace the ride without losing your sanity.

Signs the Universe is Pushing You Toward Change
Ever feel like you’re stuck in neutral? You know deep down that something has to change, but you’re just… waiting. Maybe it’s fear, maybe it’s comfort, or maybe you’ve convinced yourself that “now isn’t the right time.”
That’s when the universe tends to step in with a cosmic “Nope!”
It happened to me with work. I had this feeling—an itch—that I needed to move on, but I kept lingering, hesitating to take the leap. And then life took matters into its own hands. I lost my job, and suddenly, the path forward wasn’t a choice anymore. Looking back, it was exactly the push I needed to step into my true calling.
So, how do you know when the universe is pushing for a change? Here are a few clues:
You feel off—like you’re going through the motions but something just isn’t clicking anymore.
You’ve been avoiding a decision you know deep down you need to make.
Life throws a curveball—a sudden shift, loss, or opportunity that forces you to take a hard look at your current situation.
If any of this sounds familiar, buckle up. Change is knocking, and it’s not going to wait for you to open the door.

The 3-Second Rule: Don’t Panic, Pivot
When life shifts gears without warning, it’s natural to panic. But instead of fighting the change, try this three-step strategy:
Pause and Feel the Feels: Let’s be real—nobody loves a surprise shake-up. Take a moment to process the discomfort. Cry if you need to. Vent. But don’t unpack and stay there.
Flip the Script: Ask yourself, “What if this is happening for me, not to me?” I know it sounds cliché, but shifting your perspective makes a world of difference.
Look for the Open Window: You’ve heard it before—when one door closes, another opens. Instead of staring at the door that slammed shut, start scanning for the new opportunities unfolding in front of you.

Riding Life’s Fast-Forward Moments: A Guide to Thriving
Once you’ve caught your breath, it’s time to lean in and ride the momentum of change. Here’s how to navigate life’s fast-forward moments like a pro:
Get Curious: Let go of what was and start asking, “What’s possible now?” Sometimes change opens doors you never imagined.
Trust the Timing: You might not feel ready, but trust me—life rarely moves faster than you can handle. You’ve got this.
Take One Step: You don’t have to make huge leaps right away. Just focus on taking the next right step. The path will reveal itself as you move forward.

Why the Universe Knows Better Than You Do
Let’s face it—sometimes we need the universe to shove us out of our comfort zone. We can get so caught up in “good enough” that we forget we deserve amazing.
For me, losing my job wasn’t an ending; it was the beginning of a new chapter. It gave me the time, space, and courage to build the coaching business I had dreamed about but kept putting off. Without that nudge, I might still be stuck in the “someday” phase of my life.
If you’re going through a shake-up right now, know this: You’re not being punished. You’re being redirected toward something better.
Your Acceleration Toolkit
Feeling like life is spinning out of control? Here’s your cheat sheet for navigating fast-forward moments with grace:
Stay Open: Stop clinging to what’s gone. Change clears the way for new possibilities—if you let it.
Find the Gift: Even in the chaos, there’s always a lesson or opportunity. Look for it.
Celebrate the Shift: Yes, it’s scary, but don’t forget to honor the fact that you’re moving forward. Growth is worth celebrating!

Fast-Forward to Your Future
When life hits fast-forward, it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. These moments of upheaval are often the turning points that lead us to the people, places, and opportunities we’re meant to find.
So, the next time the universe slams a door, remember: It’s not the end—it’s the beginning of something better. Lean in, trust the process, and get ready for the ride of your life.
Discover how to turn life’s unexpected twists into your biggest wins. Click here to start your journey today.
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