“The Universe Has Your Back” by Gabby Bernstein is one of my favorite books.
I’ve read this book about 6 or 7 times already. Each time I read it, I gain something new. It has also helped me get through some difficulties in my life, especially the ones that happened in the last year.
I wanted to share with you my the Universe Has Your Back book review and perhaps encourage you to read it as well!
The Universe Has your back Book overview
Gabrielle Bernstein is an incredible author, speaker, and spiritual teacher. Her books center around surrender, manifestation, and bringing back the magical aspect of life. Miracles, as she says, are a natural part of life (and I couldn’t agree more!)
The more we deepen our connection to the Universe, and the more we commit to our path of spiritual and personal growth – the more naturally miracles start to flow into our lives.
The Universe has your back is a book about faith, surrender, and getting out of our own way so the Universe can guide us.
(note: If the word ‘Universe’ doesn’t resonate with you, you can call it Spirit/God/Angels/Highest Self/Guides/whatever works best for you!)
Alrighty, let’s cut to the chase then. Why am I recommending this book? Why did it make such a significant impact on my life?
OBSTACLES ARE DETOURS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
In one of the chapters, Gabby talks about how obstacles are detours in the right direction. When I first read it, I thought ‘Wait. What?’ Never have I heard such a beautiful description of obstacles!
More importantly, these detours have been happening in my life for the last 4 months; I just wasn’t seeing them as detours! I’ve been living in New York City for almost four years, and I wasn’t feeling at peace.
I was working as a personal trainer and videographer, living by myself, and feeling like something was majorly missing in my life. However, I didn’t want to admit it.
AFTER ALL, I’VE WORKED SO HARD TO GET TO WHERE I WAS.
When I moved to NYC a month after turning 18, I used to dream of the day when I get to have my own apartment. I used to tell everyone how New York was where I would be forever. Yet here I was, having all the things that I wanted, feeling like New York was actually not where I was supposed to be.
So, what obstacles were showing up in my life?
Nothing with my work was moving.
Personal training clients were dropping out, canceling, or constantly re-scheduling. Videography clients were interested in new projects but kept postponing working together.
I was doing everything in my power to get new clients and get more work, yet everything seemed to go against me.
Also, a new creative project that I began was looking promising, but when it was time to meet other people who have signed on to help me – they all just disappeared, ghosted me or dropped out. Sweet.
Lastly, my body started acting out. I’m a very fit and healthy human. I workout 5-6 times a week, eat healthy foods, meditate, drink my water, and so on.
However, my knees and hips started hurting like crazy. I started having major issues with my stomach and digestion. My skin started breaking out like crazy. Something wasn’t right…
Everything was a message
Everything that was happening to me I felt was a message. Clients dropping our and projects stalling.
Also, if there’s one thing I know, it’s that our bodies are incredibly intelligent and they are communicating with us 24/7
Ever since I read the book “How To Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay at 13 years old, I started looking at pain and different bodily ‘manifestations’ from a whole new perspective. I knew my body was telling me something.
Long Story short…
On August 3rd, 2019, I decided to pack up my life and move back to Europe, because I realized that’s what my heart was trying to tell me. In the next 6 days, everything started moving at such a quick pace, I was in awe.
From finding new tenants to take over my apartment and selling all of my furniture, I’ve never seen things move at such speed in my life.
All the obstacles that I encountered, external and internal, were leading me to come back to Europe. I’ve never been happier.
Oh, and by the way, all of my body pains magically disappeared as if nothing had ever happened. I can barely believe it myself.
I STEP BACK AND LET THE UNIVERSE LEAD THE WAY
I don’t know where you stand with the whole Universe-is-guiding-me thing, but I just want to tell you that it’s real.
I’ve been a witness to real-life miracles for as long as I’ve lived. I’ve had miracles happen to me, and I’ve seen miracles happen to others.
SURRENDER IS OUR GREATEST POWER.
The biggest lesson that I’ve learned in my life, and through this book, is that surrender is our greatest power.
We get so caught up in doing, working, forcing, that often things become harder than they should be.
This can look like desperately wanting a partner, hustling to find your dream apartment or stressing about what it is that we’re meant to do in life.
Don’t get me wrong; action is a big part of making things happen. You can’t just sit on your couch and wish your incredible life into existence. You have to get off your butt and put some work in!
However, surrender + action is the magic formula.
Surrender your desperate want for a partner, and let the Universe guide you in meeting your partner. Call to action can come in many different forms! It could be you getting a ‘random’ thought to go to a particular concert last minute, or a friend randomly messaging you saying she’d love to set you up on a date.
All of these things will still require you to take action, but you’re letting the Universe interfere and guide you in the right direction. Know what you want, but be flexible in how it will happen. Let the Universe interfere with your plans.
YOUR PRESENCE IS YOUR POWER.
One of the reasons why I love reading so much is because it makes you really present. It requires you to focus your attention and be right here in this moment.
There are many other ways in which you can practice presence: writing, journaling, meditating, cooking, actively listening in conversations, actively listening to music, etc.
When we’re able to tap into our presence, the quality of all that we do will transform. It will go from ‘meh’ to ‘whoa!’
From incredible real-life stories and lessons to brilliant one-liners, give yourself the gift of reading this book. Be open to the insights that might come through, and remind yourself of how magical this life is.
Like reading? You might also enjoy reading this book review about “The Four Agreements”.