How to Trust the Universe When Fear Takes Over: A True Story from My Spiritual Path
There are some mornings when I don’t get the chance to do all my spiritual practices that set me up for the day ahead. It happened to me recently, on a Sunday. Sundays are normally slower, more spacious, time to rest, recharge, and enjoy some quality time with my husband, Mark. But that morning, we had errands to run, and I wanted to get them out of the way early, so we could enjoy the rest of the day in peace. That meant my usual morning soul-connection practice had to be shortened, just a quick chakra balancing, a brief “energy shower,” and some light protection work.
My ego, thankfully, was quiet, for a while. But later in the day, it reared its head.
The Ego and the Spiral of Fear
My thoughts drifted back to a time when life felt a bit easier financially, when the cost of living was slightly lower, we had a stable income for a period of time, and our expenses were more manageable.
There was some uncertainty around our living situation, as we were house sitting for a friend whilst it went through the probate process, but despite the uncertainty, there was a sense of ease and trust.
Now, fast forward to this Sunday in 2025, and we’re in a very different place. Like so many people, our outgoings currently far exceed our income, and this is not because we’re living extravagantly! I know it doesn’t help to think about this financial imbalance, as it only feeds the fear, but in that moment, I was caught in the cycle and my sympathetic nervous system kicked in: shallow breathing, a tight chest, clenched jaw.
Normally, I manage to keep my ego in check thanks to my spiritual practices (see previous blog post here). Showing up in the world, being of service, along with doing my inner work, to “be the change”, and maintain a good vibe, also helps me feel consciously connected to the universe a lot of the time.
However, that Sunday, without my normal, full soul connection “plug in” practice, I felt as if the ego-fear were a black hole, starting to slowly pull me in, disrupting my conscious connection to my soul and the universe.
A Message from the Universe
Later, as I walked our dog Tommy I tried to restore conscious connection with my soul, by affirming the universe has never let us down, not when we really needed it, and to keep the faith. But these affirmations didn’t help. My ego wouldn’t let go.
Then, I noticed a group of fishermen, walking back to their vehicle after fishing along the nearby canal, with more gear than I’ve ever seen, packed into trolleys. Not a common site. They got my attention.
As they reached their pick-up truck, I noticed something curious. On the small drop-down panel at the back, there were two identical numbers, 346, not part of the license plate, just printed there, on either side of the panel. I made a mental note. I always notice the unusual. I’ve learned on my spiritual path that when something feels “out of the ordinary,” it’s often the universe, or the angels, trying to get my attention.
What Angel Number 346 Means
Back home, when I looked up the meaning of angel number 346 in my *book, here’s what it said:
“The angels and ascended masters want you to know there is nothing to fear. They’re ensuring that your needs are met. Give all your cares about material supply to heaven.”
I smiled. That message was exactly what I needed.
Suddenly, I felt myself relax again. I thanked the angels and the universe out loud. I was back in connection with my soul.
Why Affirmations Don’t Always Work
It made me think, why did this help, when the affirmations didn’t?
Affirmations often come from the mind. But intuitive signs, synchronicity, serendipity, they come from the soul. They bypass the conscious mind and land directly in the heart. They feel magical, personal, meaningful. You know it’s for you, even if you can’t explain how.
I could have dismissed it all as coincidence — the fishermen, the odd number, the moment I happened to walk that route. But my intuition nudged me to notice, to feel that deeper connection. And when I listened, it brought me back to connection and trust.
It was a good reminder to me that if I follow my intuition (which guided me to walk Tommy when I did, to take the route that I did, and to notice the unusual), I can reconnect with my soul and feel that sense of oneness with the universe.
Reconnecting with Your Soul in Daily Life
If you’re navigating a spiritual awakening in midlife, dealing with uncertainty, or fear, know that your ego may try to take control, but your soul is always there. The universe is supporting you, even when you don’t see it.
Here’s what helped me that day, and might help you too:
Try This:
- Notice your thoughts. Are they rooted in fear, or trust?
- Watch for the unusual. What signs might the universe be sending you?
- Follow your intuition. Even the smallest nudge (like which path to walk) can lead to magic.
- Trust the timing. Sometimes, messages come when affirmations don’t work, because you need a stronger reminder that you are a spiritual being having a human experience.
Final Thoughts
This moment reminded me how to trust the universe, even when fear tries to take over. Our job is to pay attention to signs from the universe, to listen, to stay open, and to trust. Whether it’s through angel numbers, a stranger’s words, or a subtle feeling in your body, that guidance is there.
You’re not alone on this path. If you’re feeling called to go deeper, I offer soul-led coaching and spiritual support for midlife women navigating life transitions.
With Blessings
Catherinex
*Virtue, D. & Brown, L. (2005). Angel Numbers. Hay House.
