I look at old pictures of myself and wonder who she is.

I remember the days before, running myself ragged for a direct deposit into my bank account every two weeks. I often wonder what my life would look like if I hadn’t awakened my gifts and uncovered my soul’s purpose.

Looking back, I started to see the signs that were there all along, guiding me toward what I came here to do. Each of these played a part in following my calling.

Do any of them ring true for you? Let’s find out:

1. You feel like you’ve hit rock bottom.

Often, in our lowest moments, we find our highest purpose. It is typically in these low points of bittersweet surrender, laying in a heap of ugly tears, that the universe unveils to us a glimpse at just how beautiful our life can be. Trust that vision when it comes to you in the dark. Trust that the next steps will reveal themselves to help you start climbing out of your rock bottom space. And here’s the thing: it’s not just light waiting for you at the end of the tunnel, it’s your purpose.

2. Your career is unfulfilling.

Your once-fulfilling career is no longer bringing you joy. It might even be causing you stress. Leaving you dreading Mondays and praying for Fridays. You often find yourself thinking things like, “What is wrong with me?” or “Why do I want a career change again?” and “Why can’t I just be content with what I have?” You find yourself seeking out certifications, classes, and courses on topics that seem out of character or irrelevant to your current career. Don’t doubt your curiosity. Following it is often the first step toward uncovering your calling.

3. Your anxiety is at an all-time high.

Or for the first time in your life, you have started experiencing panic or anxiety attacks. It’s not an anxiety disorder. It’s actually an alignment disorder. And your body—specifically your heart—is trying to tell you that what you are doing, where you are focused, and the direction that you are heading is not aligned with what your soul came here to do.

It’s pretty amazing when you stop and think about it: our bodies are gloriously designed to tell us when we’re off our path, and anxiety sure gets your attention! Learn to become present, focus on what your body is trying to tell you, and your purpose will start to emerge and your anxiety will start to go down.

4. You have recently lost someone close to you.

I know it’s not a coincidence that I lost my dad shortly before I found my purpose. Death and grieving often leave us questioning our purpose on this planet, putting the true meaning of life into perspective. We instantly start hunting for something to ease the pain and fill the empty space that death leaves behind. There is always clarity in these dark moments. Instead of focusing on what was lost, take time to think about what you truly want to find. Let the legacy of your passed loved one be the light that leads you closer to your soul’s calling.

5. Your inner circle is shifting.

As you head down your path seeking your purpose, not everyone gets to go with you. You find that instead of heading out with your normal circle of friends for your monthly girls’ night out, you just want to spend time with some new friends from a completely different circle. When your purpose gets bigger, your inner circle will get smaller. And even though you might feel sad—even a little guilty—for leaving your besties behind, just remember it’s part of the soul purpose process. Soul growth is never easy…that’s why they call it growing pains. This doesn’t mean you can never see those old friends again. Things will just feel and be different because you are transforming.

6. You have zero tolerance for drama.

Most likely you’ll start to find yourself walking away from arguments when you would have never been the one to back down before. You might also start to see that you’re standing up for what you love, instead of standing against what you don’t. When your big soul shift is underway, you will find you have no time for what does not feel good and serve your soul.

Circumstances, people, and events that have a toxic, negative vibe will instantly make you feel like you want to pull back and run in the opposite direction. You start to become more mindful of what you say and think to and about others, but you also start to care more about how you are treated and talked to. Following your calling means no shaming, blaming, or judging. Not for other people, but most importantly not for yourself. I think Elsa from “Frozen” said it best when she said, “Let It Go.” When you’re following your calling, negativity has no place near your heart and soul purpose.

7. You start to crave new experiences.

When you start to focus on what brings you joy, you’ll start to see it’s not things, but people and experiences that bring you the most happiness. When you’re stepping into your purpose, you will start to yearn for more of what makes you laugh until you cry, and smile until it hurts. You will find yourself saying yes to concerts, restaurants, classes, movies, outings, and even people who you would have previously said no to. And here’s why: the higher your energy and vibration, the closer you are to connecting to your calling! When you find more joy in your journey, and in new experiences, you’ll soon find your soul purpose.

8. A milestone is approaching.

Human beings are extremely cyclical, and within our cycles are clues to finding our calling. Birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations typically do three things to us: they give us truthbumps, tears, and triggers. They’re all meant to wake us up and give us a reminder that even though we are in a time-focused world, we don’t have all the time in the world. 

I don’t want you to keep having birthdays and New Year’s saying, “this coming year, I will!” I want you to say, “this year I did!”

No regrets, no wishing, and no someday. Now is what you have, so make the most of each milestone and let it open the door to possibilities and purpose.

9. You want space to just be.

If you’ve been craving a day to yourself where you have nothing to focus on but connecting with your higher self, trying meditation, or doing some deep journaling, your soul purpose is ready to be found. The Universe is asking you to become present and still so it can whisper the coordinates of your soul purpose path to you. If you want space to be alone, it doesn’t mean you’re becoming an introvert. It just means you need alone time to get to know your true soul purpose and driven self.

Following your higher calling is not for the faint of heart. In doing so, your transformation will be scary, uncomfortable, and at times stifling. But transformation is always worth it.

I mean, have you ever heard of a butterfly asking to exchange its wings back in for the cocoon?