When people think of the higher self, they often think of something separate from the physical body, or possibly some old Indian esoteric theory or myth.
Some people don't even think about it at all. Some even confuse the higher self with the human conscious or soul. The truth is, the higher self is an elevated form of consciousness that exists whether you are aware of it or not. Being able to communicate openly with your higher self is what the true meaning of "woke" is.
According to Roxane Burnett, "Your Higher Self is, in simple terms, the highest aspect of you that can be attained and held in the physical body. It is the part of you that knows, sees, and understands at the highest level possible, while the physical part of you still continues to move around in the third dimension. Anchoring the wisdom of the Higher Self into your physicality is very much a part of our human spiritual evolution and purpose."
The process of "anchoring the wisdom of your omniscient higher self into your physicality," is called "Integration." Before completely understanding this process, one must go through the journey of spiritual Ascension. Opening, healing, tuning, and balancing your chakras will most definitely aid in this transformation.
Related: How Opening Your 7 Chakras Can Transform Your Mind, Body & Spirit
This read will list 5 universal and collective higher self truths that will help you navigate through life struggles with more clarity and ease.
1. You Are The Co-Creator Of Your Reality
When I was growing up, my mother used to always say, that "it is not up to man to direct his step." It always annoyed me because I wrote it off as some religious rhetoric that preached against having an "independent spirit" or the desire to live out your own life how you saw fit. Now that I am older, and have learned how to tap into my higher self, I finally realize the true meaning of that scripture.
It means that at a higher conscious level, we are truly creating our experience from our higher selves. This is where the ideas of "creating your own reality," "manifestation," and the "law of attraction" is powered. We have been born into a consciousness that tells us the world outside ourselves is what creates the circumstances of our lives.
In reality, everything about our existence is created from within.
Think of your higher self as a puppet master in a higher dimension, controlling your thoughts and your actions. That puppet is you. While you can't control the actions of others or the external unforeseen circumstances that affect you all the time, you can most definitely receive guidance from your puppet master, or your higher self as to what the next steps are to take in this journey called life.
When you fully become aware of your "creator consciousness," you can actively begin to change your reality. Tapping into this consciousness is tapping into the wholeness of yourself and the infinite connectedness to everyone and thing that exists in and out of your realm of awareness.
In this awareness, you go from being a victim to victor, feeling power-less to power-ful.
You truly become a free spirit.
2. Everyone You Meet Is A Reflection Of Yourself
Everyone who comes into your life does not come by chance. Think of people in your families or your circles as part of your individual human manifestation and you are part of theirs. This idea is also related to the "Six Degrees of Separation" theory. Each relationship, no matter how long, deep, or brief, is a mirror into your own soul.
On a higher level, if your spirit is wounded in any way, you will attract someone to you whose own energetic wounds will reflect yours.
For instance, I once had an old roommate who assumed that I abandoned her in the city after she had taken quite a while during a walk-in interview. I waited for some time out in the sun before I decided to go grab a slice of pizza for her and I. When I returned, she was nowhere to be found and her phone was off, so I went home. Once I got home, she went off on me for leaving her in the city. My rebuttal was that I did not leave her and that I actually was looking out for her, as I tossed her pizza on the kitchen table. She triggered me into a full-fledged panic attack.
Her fear of abandonment mirrored my frustration with feeling underappreciated and unreciprocated by my friends and family. From a higher level of awareness, I was able to understand why I was triggered in her reaction to how I triggered her.
This understanding can help you better deal with conflicts with people in your life. Using your higher self to understand arguments allows you to acknowledge your own trauma that you find in the reflection of others. It is in this moment that you can heal your own pain and empathize with the trauma of the person who pulled the trigger.
3. Everything Happens For A Reason
People have been using this saying wrong since the times of Aristotle. There is a difference between things happening as a result of cause or effect, versus as a result of something that is divinely purposed.
When an electrical fire starts in a building, killing an innocent family, the reason for this may be that there was a faulty wire within the walls that went under the radar because the landlord did not keep up with his building inspections. The term becomes true of divinely orchestrated purpose when you are walking in your truth, guided by your higher self. Every soul has a purpose.
When your soul has a purpose, you spend your lifetime, through trial and error, learning what your purpose is.
During this time, certain karmic situations and relationships happen in order for you to learn lessons that bring you closer to fulfilling your purpose. The way in which these lessons unfold, is "what happens for a reason." Since you are the co-creator of your reality, certain things happen in your experience that are most definitely orchestrated by your higher self.
This is what the saying, "God doesn't give you more than you can handle" means. If you are indeed directing your step, wouldn't you know from a higher level of awareness what you can or cannot deal with? Don't you get back up with every lesson that makes you fall, with a new awareness, understanding, motivation, or redirection?
That does not happen for no reason.
As for all the folks that lose their physical bodies along their current lifetimes, due to things beyond their control, I believe it is up to that soul to incarnate into another lifetime and continue living its soul purpose.
4. Intuition Is Direction From Your Higher Self
Your intuition acts as divine direction from your higher self. Whenever you have a gut feeling or intuitive hunch about something, you are receiving a message from a higher form of consciousness. When you get a tingle that rises up your spine, or if the hair on your arms or neck stand up, this is a physical response to intuition, and something you should pay attention to. Intuition is also known as "The Sixth Sense." It extends past our 3D physical senses of, sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
Intuition is pure cognitive information that is not interfered by conscious reasoning. This intuitive guidance comes in the form of dreams, signs, synchronicities, clairvoyance, claircognizance, clairsentience, and clairaudience. Intuition also brings forth creativity, innovation, change, and free thinking.
Intuition connects you to the highest form of truth, which cannot come from outside of you, rather within.
The heart and the mind can both succumb to ego, which can be swayed by illusion, and 3D low vibrational energies. When you connect to your higher self, you connect to your ultimate truth, which collectively unites all humanity. This means that intuition is energetic. It is mind-blowing to understand that we have the ability to tap into something that comes directly from higher realms, connected to a field of energy or collective consciousness web, measured in vibrations and frequency.
5. Your Higher Self Doesn't Recognize Time
Your higher self exists in a space that transcends linear time tables. It doesn't have to worry about running late, or clocking in, and it doesn't place timers on when it wants to start a family, or open a new business. It exists perfectly in a higher frequency that is untouched by a three-dimensional understanding of time, or anything for that matter. I am learning that the old way of viewing time is not only toxic, but it causes panic, anxiety, unrealistic expectations, and self-doubt.
As we all begin to ascend, our attachments with time, or the expectation of when things should happen, will begin to dissolve in a very painful way, however, it will not remain painful, if you learn to replace your expectation of time with your realization of surrender. I have driven myself crazy waiting for my soulmate to show up, or waiting for a response for a new job, or waiting for other people to be ready to meet me where I am, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I have finally realized that I am causing my own demise by depending on my own 3D expectation of time.
There is divine timing and order to everything.
You must trust that you are infinitely guided by your own higher self. I will no longer ask my spirit guides how long something is going to take. I will only ask them to steer me in the right direction. The next time you feel yourself stressing over time. Just STOP. Put a middle finger up to it, breath, and just be present.
When you are so wrapped up in time, you are missing the opportunity to absorb divine information from your higher self. Be quiet and listen. If time waits for nobody, why do we wait for time?
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Whether you're planning to meet a certain financial or fitness goal, or you're simply trying to maintain and build on the progress you made this year, having something to look forward to is always a good look. Setting actual goals, according to research, actually leads to more success than just playing things by ear. So here are a few to get you started, sis:
(Disclaimer: Not everything is for everyone, so do like my Granny always says: "Eat the meat. Spit out the bone." Take on five out of the 40 and focus on that for the remainder of the year, or do them all. Either way, this is just to get you started.)
40 Ways To End The Year Strong and Inspired
Money Moves
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1. Increase your retirement (or other savings/investment) contributions by 1%.
Experts have found that you could be leaving money on the table by not upping your contributions when you can.
2. Cancel two to five subscriptions.
You could be missing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year due to sneaky price hikes and "updates."
3. Create a "fun" in a high-yield savings account.
This is especially important if you struggle with the dreaded b-word (budget) and will make next year's efforts a lot less intimidating. Even if it's $10 a month, do it.
4. Put on your big-girl panties, and set up automatic transfers and payments for at least one bill.
It reduces the stress of managing bills, lessens the chance of a missed payment---and the fees that come with that---and there can be cost savings for doing so.
5. Invest in a cleaner or housekeeping service.
Bosses who value their time (and mental health) invest their dollars into areas where the time they'd spend doing those tasks themselves could be better used to focus on other money-making projects. (And yes, rest is part of that.) Get a housekeeper, sis, or drop off that laundry, even if it's once per month.
6. Donate to a charity.
Beyond the tax benefits, it's a win-win for the greater good of communities you care about.
7. Review your insurance policies and negotiate a better rate (or move on) before their end dates.
Experts often agree this is a small but mighty step to take each year, especially since insurance rates are competitive, you could be spending more money than you need to (or not enough) and your insurance rates can affect your mortgage payments.
8. Call your loan provider and refinance.
As interest rates fall, “millions of borrowers may be able to refinance and get more affordable payments. As interest rates eased down to 6.5%, about 2.5 million borrowers could already refinance and save at least 75 basis points (0.75%) on their interest rate,” the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports. You can also refinance student and other types of loans.
9. Stop buying individual items and stock up via going bulk.
Research has found that, among 30 common products, buying in bulk could save you 27% compared with buying in lower quantities. Water, paper products, and baby products like diapers, toiletries, and garbage bags are the top items where people see the most cost-effectiveness. (This has been a lifesaver for me—children, large family, or not—especially when it comes to toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products, saving stress, time, and money.)
10. Go cash-only for the holidays.
If you set smart goals and stick to limits on things like gifts, going out to eat, or groceries, you'll see the benefits of this. Cash-stuffing is one method recommended, but something as simple as taking a $10 bill out for lunch, disabling that card for an hour, and leaving your card in a safe place at the office can give you that mindset jump start to see how far you can take your money without the need to splurge.
Love And Romance
11. Say "no."
There are clear mental and physical health benefits to saying no including the setting of healthy boundaries, creating time and energy for other self-care activities, and protecting yourself from physically harmful situations (i.e. unprotected sex or abuse). Just say it, clearly and simply, when you need to.
12. Set a fun, free, adults-only date night for once a week or twice a month with your spouse.
If busy, high-profile folk have touted the success of this, even you can make the time for quality time with your partner. And it's even better when it costs nothing. The best connections are made doing something chill, challenging, or outside the usual dinner-and-a-movie date. Play a game that allows you to reconnect, take a walk in your neighborhood to chat and laugh, or try a little erotic chocolate/edible liquid/paint episode a la Mea Culpa.
13. Go out with Mr. or Ms. "Not My Type."
I love my man, but if I were waiting out for my "type" at the time, we wouldn't be celebrating seven (going on eight) years together. Sometimes having strict, unrealistic expectations for a spouse (especially related to things like height, physical features, or career path) is what's keeping you alone and lonely.
Take the pressure off and explore all your options. I'm not telling you to stop popping the balloon on the guy who earns $20,000 less than you if that's a hard no that Jesus himself told you to skip. I'm asking you to explore other options and see what else God might have out there for your love journey.
14. Immediately apologize and pray together.
I've learned that always being "right" isn't always ideal when you truly care about someone and you're in a relationship for the long haul. Defaulting to an apology when necessary, even when things aren't 100% resolved, is a good way to prioritize peace and save your energy for more worthwhile battles. Research has even supported the benefits of apologies in relationships, and how couples married for five or more years do it often.
15. Get a Rose and discover true self-love.
Do I really have to explain this? You've gotta know what satisfies you, and how better to figure that out than to practice self-love in the bed by yourself? You can also try this with a partner, but as a woman who got on this train very much later in my sexual activity journey. I have a lot more learning to do on my own, and even in a satisfying relationship, I like to find out new things about myself, by myself.
Figure out what you're into, watch what you want to watch, and read what you want to read to define pleasure for yourself. There's a freedom and empowering element there especially if you're used to prioritizing pleasing your partner.
16. Be direct and have the "money talk" with bae.
Money issues are one of the leading causes of divorce, so you need to have those conversations before you even think about marrying someone. And true, nobody can predict the future so you won't be able to avoid some challenges altogether, however, talking with your potential spouse about how they view money, their spending habits, and the pain points in terms of their approach to money management can at least give you a glimpse into what's in store if you do walk down the aisle, move in with them, or decide to share a bank account/business/child with them.
17. Invest in the "paid" version of that dating app.
I know plenty of successful, married folk who did this and met "the one" as a result. Let's be honest: The free version is for playing around. I had a lot of fun with my "free" profile back in the day, trust me. Upgrade that photo, profile, and package, and see if the quality of your dating adventures changes when you're serious about finding a true partner. Dating coaches and matchmakers cosign this.
18. Solo travel to meet that long-distance connection.
Sometimes, your perfect match isn't within 100 miles of you, and that's okay. Make it an adventure, enjoy the memories, and book that ticket. I met my man this way and it's been a whirlwind escape ever since. If you're not comfortable traveling solo, travel or (network to plan travel) with a group via Facebook.
Career And Business
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19. Schedule coffee or virtual meetups with smart people from your graduating class, previous employer, or current employer.
I have gotten many freelance opportunities by doing this. It's as simple as connecting and offering value (or simply learning how you can better equip yourself to do so.) It's also a great way to expand your network, spark new friendships, or find out about new job opportunities.
20. Invest in a well-made suit.
I don't care what industry you're in, a suit says "power," and it's not as old-school or out-of-style as you'd think. Plus the whole experience of looking for a new one (or getting one tailored) is fun and affirming. Try these options. I swear, anytime I wear a blazer, I'm treated like a celebrity or boss, especially when traveling. I was once upgraded to first-class wearing a yellow blazer outfit, and the airline professional literally said, "You look like somebody important. Here you go."
21. Volunteer for a worthwhile project or cause that's important to your company.
If you're overworked and underappreciated, skip this one, but if you truly have the time, love what you do, and want to advance, this move is clutch. Volunteering for extra projects got me where I am today in media because I had foresight, and knew that was the only way at the time to leverage relationships, and I was able to challenge myself to learn skills that 20 years later are still bankable. That VP you can't get a meeting with will be at that gala your company is planning, so join that committee, sis.
22. Write down why you deserve a raise and ask for it in your next one-on-one.
Gather those receipts (ie sales increase numbers, KPIs met, deals closed, people acquired via recruitment, the impact of systems updates, or other tangible success metrics) and ask for that raise before the first or second-quarter budgets are being finalized.
23. Instead of quitting, write down your exit plan.
While revenge quitting is set to be a thing next year (and maybe you're among those who will be leading the trend), try the better boss move and quit with a real plan.
24. Start automatically separating that estimated self-employed quarterly tax estimate.
If you have side hustles (or you're collecting 1099 income,) baby, you do not want to neglect those quarter tax payments. Talk to a professional, do your research, and set up automatic transfers to an account specifically for paying these at the appropriate due dates.
25. Sign up for a free one- to 11-week course related to your industry—or the industry you want to be in next year.
Institutions like Harvard University and platforms like Coursera offer free courses that can enhance your skills. You can also invest in certificate courses with accredited colleges as well as tech training.
26. Hit "Easy Apply" for 10 dream jobs listed on LinkedIn.
While you shouldn't solely rely on this when actively job-seeking, using this convenient LinkedIn option is a great way to get into the habit of applying for positions. And if you're already employed, you should still be "dating" other employers if you're looking to make a move in the next six months. Keep your interview skills sharp, practice toughening up for the "nos," and get a bit of an ego boost in the process.
Self-Care And Wellness
27. Pre-schedule three month's worth of massages.
Oftentimes this is cost-effective since some spas offer deals for multiple bookings. Also, it makes an act of self-care deliberate and important, not an option. When you get that reminder call, you'll know it's real.
28. Fire that therapist and try another one.
Cultural competency in mental health support is one major problem that can hinder Black women from even bothering with therapy. And who wants the added stress of spending multiple, paid sessions explaining why something is a microaggression? Cut the cord and move on to try someone else, either via a Black women therapists channel or recommendations from others.
29. Join a small group at church.
Bedside service ain't gonna cut it and neither is going to the usual Sunday service. Join a smaller group and upgrade your efforts to connect, network, and elevate spiritually. Even if virtually, take a step to dig a bit deeper with more targeted Bible study and discussions.
30. Say no, even to loved ones.
This is on here twice, for a reason. Saying no is the simplest, most powerful micro-action you can take today to make 2025 better. No explanations. No guilt. Say no.
31. Choose one "luxury" beauty product for skincare and stick to it.
This was trending big on social, especially for millennials hitting their 40s. There's just something so freeing about not giving in to every trend and sticking to the basics that work, especially when there are quality, healthy ingredients involved. Put those orders on auto-renew.
32. Sign up for a new sport or fitness class just for fun, not for results.
It's great to be on a weight-loss or weight-lifting journey, but try something just for the fun of it. Switch things up with a couple of these fitness activities.
33. Book a staycation.
Leave the passport at home and explore a nearby community or another town in your state. There's so much enrichment in your own backyard right here in the U.S., and you don't even have to break the bank.
34. Pre-schedule your mammograms, Pap smear, and peri-menopause checkups for next year.
Take control of your health by pre-scheduling essential appointments like mammograms, Pap smears, and peri-menopause check-ups for 2025. Prioritizing these screenings early ensures you stay on top of your wellness and make time for self-care in the new year.
35. Cut off support of beauty and wellness professionals whose customer service is below standard.
This is another one that many Black women have been vocal about—from unrealistic pre-appointment requirements, to booking fees, to long waits, to unsavory in-salon experiences. Spot the red flags early, and just stop accommodating foolishness. Support salons or experienced stylists who are kind, have proper systems in place and value your time.
36. Schedule five to 10-minute moments of silence on your calendar.
Again, wellness is not optional, and if it's not on my calendar, it's not official. Sit quietly. Pray. Meditate. Or do nothing. The benefits of silent moments are almost endless.
37. Download a meditation app.
If you've found that meditation is difficult to schedule or to even start, an app can help. Try this, this, or this one, and take that step to embrace something new to enhance your wellness routine. If you're tired of downloading apps, create a playlist for meditation via Amazon Music or Spotify and schedule a reminder to do it once a day or week.
38. Invest in a healthy meal prep or delivery service.
Time is emotionally expensive, so save as much of it as possible. Getting into meal prep to keep to your goals is a great way to save time, stress, and effort. The health benefits of meal prepping have also been proven via research.
39. Create a positive playlist on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or other streaming platform.
It can be podcasts, music, affirmations, or somatic sounds. It's a game-changer. You can even set an alarm to wake you up to start your day with the positive playlist. Not into creating your own? There are plenty to choose from with a quick search.
40. Set up reminders for Alexa (Siri or other AI) to remind you, "You are loved," and "You are okay."
This simple effort can boost your endorphins and remind you that you're indeed, not alone, and you will be okay, regardless. To set mine up, I simply commanded, "Alexa, remind me everyday 'Jesus loves me,'" and like clockwork she does. She almost scared the ish out of me one day when I'd forgotten the reminder was active, but it was the reminder I needed when anxiety had gotten the best of me that week.
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