The strange people you meet right before your life changes so often show up in subtle ways—a stranger on the street, a bartender at your favorite coffee shop, or a new friend who makes a big impact. By accepting these people, letting go of your emotional walls, and interacting with them with an open mind, you not only set yourself up for success in achieving your goals, but you often learn a lot about yourself in the process.

Here are 11 strange people you meet before your life changes in a big way:

1. The person who appears as a sudden reminder

The person who appears as a "surprise reminder," one of those strange people you meet before your life changes in a big way, often has something to teach you—even if they don't know it. They might share a piece of advice that applies to you, bring back a forgotten dream you had, or even connect you to someone or something you've been needing.

2. The skeptical person

Before a major life change or while you are creating aspirations to change your life, it is possible that you will interact with a skeptical person who challenges your ideas and encourages you to take a closer look at your goals and beliefs.

3. The person who reflects your insecurities

Instead of projecting their own insecurities onto you, this person tends to embody and illuminate your own insecurities, forcing you to confront the areas where you need to grow before moving on to the next phase of your life.

4. The person from your past

These people not only appear to remind us of our past and the growth we have already experienced, they test us – prompting us to turn to old insecurities, behaviors, or mindsets. 

5. Teacher and mentor

With an open mind, you can seek their wisdom and appreciate their teachings in unique ways. They not only encourage us to look within, but they create our goals and aspirations from an enlightened perspective.

6. The foreign guide

Psychology experts like Suzanne Degges-White argue that the sense of immediate connection we often feel with a stranger – like we've known them forever – is a sign that they are leading us in the right direction.

7. The Challenger

One of the strangest people you meet before your life changes in a big way is the one who challenges you. Whether it's a strict parent, a boss at work, or a stranger testing your ignorance, this person will push you out of your comfort zone.

8. The unexpected friend

While everything else can feel chaotic or anxiety-inducing, this connection often emerges when we need a little reassurance—reminding us that we are only human, it is okay to feel uncomfortable, and change does not happen without effort.

9. The practical person

Whether they introduce you to a new hobby, drag you along to a community event, or act as a buffer between you and an activity you've never tried before, this practical, hobby-oriented person often shows up to help teach you the self-soothing and stress-relief techniques you'll need in the next phase of your life.

10. The person who is living your dream

To spark motivation or excitement during a turbulent phase in your life, sometimes the universe sends us an image of what our future could look like. 

If you are envious or discouraged by this person, driven to look inward and feel insecure about what you have achieved, it may not be time for your life to change yet. Acknowledge your emotions, address what you need, and return to your goals from an empowered and well-thought-out perspective.

11. Therapist

Whether it's a true professional or a close friend, one of the strange people you meet before your life changes in a big way has a therapeutic presence, able to contextualize your emotions, help guide you through uncomfortable decisions, and address any emotional difficulties you may have overlooked.

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Source: Your Tango