Have you ever followed a GPS, but accidentally took a wrong turn? Mine immediately kicks into gear to re-route me to my destination, with a voice saying, “calculating route.”

A few years ago, as I became more conscious and aware through meditation and spiritual practices, I began to recognize how the Universe, God or Source works the same way as the GPS in our car.

No matter how far you stray from your purpose or the higher path you are meant to walk along, the Universe never stops trying to re-route you and gently nudge you back.

When we look back on the events and subtle signs from our past through a process I call Following the Footsteps, we can all begin to uncover this re-routing. Even though we didn’t notice it at the time, the Universe actually had our back! Bestselling author, Marianne Williamson often says the Universe is “both self-correcting and self-organizing,” and I continue to see it happen in my own life.

For example, at 29 years old, after my first formal meditation training, I knew in my gut I wanted to work for myself (the first gentle nudge from the Universe). But at the time I had no clue what that meant, so I pursued the possibility of working on my own as a freelancer. However, nothing real came out of it (a small detour).

One year later, after working in the magazine industry for 10 years, I realized I truly longed to write on and cover topics I was passionate about, such as spirituality and self-help (another nudge), so I ventured out to find an established magazine or website to work for in this segment (another small detour). After months, I realized there were not many out there and certainly not on the East Coast where I lived. I even interviewed with a couple, but the fit just didn’t feel right for me.

One day I was chatting with a friend about my desire, and she casually suggested I start my own online magazine (hello Universe, my old friend). I laughed and told her she was crazy. But six months later, Elevated Existence Magazine debuted online with Deepak Chopra on the cover.

Even though I didn’t respond to that first nudge of working for myself by immediately starting a magazine and website, the Universe or God never stopped putting ideas and opportunities on my path. Eventually I got the message!

I’ve realized it doesn’t matter how far we may stray from our intended higher path, or how many detours we take on the road to our greatest purpose, because God never tires of gently guiding us back. Through signs, synchronicity and the nudges of our intuitive voice, we are guided, and when necessary, redirected.

The next time you feel lost, uncertain of your direction or in the midst of what seems like chaos, take a moment to still your mind, and ask the Universe or God for directions to the fastest and most direct route for the highest good of your soul.

Try this prayer:

• Dear God, I’m unsure of what to do, what I truly want, and/or which path to take next. I want to do whatever is best for my highest good and the highest good of all those involved. Please open my eyes, ears, mind and heart, that I may recognize the signs and synchronicities sent by my guides, angels and spirit to lead me where I am meant to go. Thank you – Amen

No matter how many dark roads we travel down, or how far we stray, God is always traveling behind us with a flashlight ready to lead us back to love and purpose. It’s often as easy as turning around to recognize the light.

Tammy Mastroberte is a three-time, award-winning writer, founder of Elevated Existence, and publisher and editorial director of the multi-award-winning Elevated Existence Magazine. She started the new age, spiritual and self-improvement publication at age 30 – eight years after the sudden death of her mother from a brain aneurysm only three days after Christmas in 1999. This tragedy led her down a synchronistic path to discover her purpose and the meaning behind many of the events in her life – including her mother’s death. She now shares her guidance, and the wisdom of today’s top authors and spiritual celebrities through Elevated Existence Magazine. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter: @ElevatedTammy on Instagram: elevatedtammy. For more information, visit www.tammymastroberte.com.