According to Merriam -Webster, a coincidence is the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but may seem to have some connection. We’ve all experienced coincidences at some point in our lives, whether we noticed them in the moment or recognized their significance in hindsight. Thinking of someone right before they call, seeing the same numbers repeatedly or stumbling upon exactly what we needed at just the right moment.

But what if those moments aren’t just random? What if some are meaningful? That’s where synchronicity comes in.

Coincidence vs Synchronicity: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, coincidences and synchronicities seem like the same thing. But there is a key difference.

Coincidences are chance occurrences with no deeper meaning. For example, you and your best friend show up to a dinner party with the same shoes.

Synchronicities are meaningful coincidences – events that feel connected in a way that can’t be explained by logic alone. These moments often come when we need guidance or reassurance, or a reminder that we are on the right path.

A coincidence might make you raise your eyebrow, but a synchronicity makes you feel some type of way, have you questioning yourself if you are crazy, not to mention the goosebumps or maybe even a sense of knowing or a deep feeling of connection.

The Moment That Changed Everything

One of my memorable synchronicities happened the week my mother passed. I was emotionally overwhelmed, my phone dead with no charger, desperately trying to find the funeral home where my sister had sent our mother.

In a haze of grief, I pulled into an empty parking lot, hoping for a moment of clarity. I yelled out loud, ” Some help would be nice right now “

I sat there with my hands covering my face, feeling completely lost-physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Then, a tap on my window broke the silence.

It was an older woman, her face warm and kind. She asked if I was okay. I explained I was lost. She smiled gently and told me she had been out on her walk when she noticed a white feather drifting along her path. She followed it, but lost sight of it when she saw my car.

As she explained how to get to the funeral home, the unexpected happened: a white feather blew onto my windshield and landed close to where she stood. She picked it up carefully and with wink and a smile she said, ” Everything we look for we find.”

I was speechless. All I could do was whisper “Thank you.”

I started my car, my hands shaking as I reached for my phone -still dead, of course. I looked up, to see what direction the old woman walked in. She was simply … gone.

I drove to the funeral home, my mind racing. When I stepped out of the car, took a deep breath, composing myself. There lying on the ground in front of me, was another white feather.

That moment was a turning point. That moment wasn’t just a coincidence – it was a synchronicity. It felt like a message a sign that I wasn’t alone in my grief. It was a reminder that sometimes the universe speaks in whispers. Since that day, I’ve learned to pay closer attention to the coincidences, synchronicities and the subtle signs that have been guiding me.

Why Do We Overlook the Signs?

So many of us move through life on autopilot, dismissing small moments of synchronicity as mere chance. But what is those moments were meant to guide us?

We overlook signs because:

We’re too distracted by our thoughts and daily routines

We doubt that something bigger could be a play.

We rationalize them away, afraid to trust or believe that we have intuition.

When we start to pay attention, we begin to see patterns, and then those patterns begin to speak to us.

How to Recognize and Trust the Signs

If you ever had a moment that felt too perfect to be random, consider it an invitation to look deeper. Here’s how you can start to recognize and trust the signs around you .

Slow down and Observe – When something catches your attention, whether it’s a repeating number, a song, or a phrase you keep hearing- pause. What’s happening in your life at that moment?

Journal your Experiences: Writing down synchronicities helps you to follow the patterns over time. You may be surprised how many “random ” moments you have that may connect to one another.

Trust your Gut: If something feels significant it probably is. Your intuitions is always speaking, the question is, are you listening? (Yes, we all have intuition! )

Express Gratitude: Acknowledge the signs when they show up. Gratitude strengthens your awareness and deepens your connection to them.

Final Thoughts

Maybe coincidences are just happy accidents. Or maybe they’re the universe whispering, nudging, reminding us that we are never truly alone or lost.

If you have experienced an undeniable synchronicity, I would love to hear about it. Share your story- let’s explore these mysteries together!

~Serenity