Embracing Gifts from the Universe

A Note From Angela Woolcott (2025)

This post is shared for historical reference to help document my journey as a writer and author. It was originally published in 2017 on my first blog and reflects my personal and creative journey at that time.

I was reading ‘The Power of Intention’, by Dr Wayne W Dyer, and he mentioned being grateful to the universe for all that comes into your life and to be kind towards all living things. He talked about being thankful even for a piece of paper that the universe had donated through a tree, and I had the realisation that I had never seen it like that before.

I have often had a sense of guilt for everything that I own, feeling like I have ‘taken’ it from the earth, and I am overwhelmed by the senseless poverty that exists when I throw out so many unused items. The progress of humanity has made a significant impact on the planet, with deforestation, soil erosion and pollution of the oceans and waterways.

Yet, advancements in technology have accelerated our healing through medical procedures, how we consume with advanced machinery and how we create with constant changes to computers and electronics. Many improvements in infrastructure for the human race have been incredible; however, striking a balance is key.

History shows us how much we have accomplished and how much we have grown as a society, reminding us that the positive change we desire for the future is within our power to create.

Dr Wayne Dyer’s take on this gave me a new perspective. Seeing these things as gifts from the universe makes my heart swell with gratitude instead of guilt, and I feel gratitude is a more empowering place for positive change to take place.

Two Conflicts to Reconcile

1. The Earth Conflict: If I remove the guilt associated with all these ‘things’ and excess food occasionally thrown out, I need to remember that everything is a gift. So, as I write this, I realise the wooden desk I write on was gifted to me by the universe. It was pre-owned, which makes it even better. This gift was shared by someone else.

Even the computer on which I write was gifted to me from all the parts of the earth that the components came from. Mmm, a conflict arises as we ‘dig’ into the earth. I ponder the thought that if the universe didn’t want us to work out how to make these things, the ideas or inspiration wouldn’t have been given to the people who designed computers. The universe is intelligent, and I know deep in my heart that there is a loving creator behind it all.

2. The Purchasing Conflict: The world is all around me right now: in the chair I sit on, and the walls, roof, and carpet that surround me. Thoughts manifested into things. I make changes in my purchasing habits whenever possible and stay informed about ways to improve my local area. I purchased a beautiful tin of paint to restore the appearance of my desk, which supported a local, small, and natural paint business.

Did the Earth wish to change into another shape and experience different uses?

I teach my kids that even small acts, such as picking up rubbish to prevent it from entering our oceans, can make a difference if everyone does it. The true challenge now lies in devising methods and technologies that heal the earth and find better ways to live, thereby reducing our impact on the environment, including all living creatures and their habitats.

We love going to local markets together, and seeing the community come together to support local growers, skilled artists, craftsmanship and healthy products. Purchasing these products helps us feel like our world is not so big, and soaking up the atmosphere of people who genuinely care about the planet and are passionate about what they do. It’s an inspiring atmosphere.

I am reminded of the power of our thoughts, as mentioned in the book, page 141, The Secret of Shambhala, by James Redfield:

• “What about those houses out there with different architecture?” I asked. “They’re all created by a force field,” she said. “We don’t use wood or metals any longer. We just create what we want with the field.”
• “Much science fiction is prophetic. What you see is simply progress. We’re human just like you, and we’re evolving in the same way that you in the outer cultures will eventually evolve, if you don’t sabotage yourselves.”

The Future Is Now

 The garden is calling me, and I remember it is time to plant more edibles to supply our family. It’s an ongoing learning curve as we experiment with different plants and their growing requirements. Our generation has forgotten many of the essential skills necessary for self-sufficiency, but we can regain them if we persist and teach the next generation.

We are the thinkers and dreamers, and our thoughts are already manifesting as things and as change. The time to heal the planet and to live in a more grateful, conscious way is not in some distant sci-fi future – it’s right here, I realise in this present moment.

What is one gift from the universe that you are grateful for today?