EXPANDED Podcast by To Be Magnetic™

Episode 387: Why is the Universe Testing Me? And How to Navigate It – Best of Expanded 2025
Date: December 26, 2025
Host: Jessica Gill (Chief Content Officer), with founder Lacy Phillips

Episode Overview

This episode is a “best of” on one of the most streamed and requested topics in the TBM (To Be Magnetic) community: how to recognize, interpret, and move through the "tests" the universe presents while manifesting. Pulling from neuroscience-backed methods and TBM’s signature Neural Manifestation™ process, Jessica and Lacy break down the function and types of tests, why they show up especially during up-levels or transitions, and most importantly, how to respond for maximum growth, self-worth, and magnetism.

With both personal stories and actionable advice, the hosts hold space for the reality that 2025 has been a particularly “test-heavy” year for many, and they offer step-by-step insights, DI (Deep Imagining) tools, and journal prompts to guide listeners through transformative periods with grace.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What Are “Tests” in Manifestation?

• Tests are situations that mirror back places to integrate, reclaim power, or heal (00:04–00:52):
  • Jessica Gill: "Anytime you're being tested, it connects to everything you're manifesting."
  • Lacy Phillips: "At the root of every test is a wound; our journey is to undo these to find our authentic self. The more we get to who we are authentically, the universe rewards us."
• Tests are not punishment:
  Instead, they’re opportunities designed to get you into congruence with your most authentic, magnetic self.

2. Why Tests Intensify During Up-Levels & Transitions

• As you expand authenticity and step into magnetism (ex: during challenges like TBM’s Return to Magic), tests naturally increase.
• Lacy: "The universe’s only intention is to get you back into your whole, worthy, authentic self... If you're really getting into your authenticity, it's impossible that you wouldn't be receiving tests" (09:38–11:53).

3. How to Recognize a Test (07:17–09:23):

Ask yourself:

• Is this situation poking at a boundary?
• Do I feel shame, small, or like I'm settling?
• Is this hitting a core wound, insecurity, or shadow?
• Tests can be “opportunity” (almost what you want, but not quite) or “trigger” (emotional, dysregulating experiences).

4. The Reframe: Curiosity & Excitement (09:23–13:16):

• Lacy shares that after years of practice, she now feels excited when big initiatory tests show up, knowing “something so good is on the other side of this.”
• “My trust muscle is strong enough to get excited when I’m going through these huge initiation periods… Me 10 years ago would have had a nervous breakdown of that.”

Types of Tests & How to Navigate Them

1. Scarcity/Lack Test (20:44–31:27)

• Theme: Fear of not enough (money, time, love, opportunities).
• Examples: Unexpected bills, job offers that compromise on salary, fearing you’ll lose what you have.
• How to Pass:
  • See these as lessons in building resilience and abundance mindset.
  • "It's never trying to kick you when you're down... it’s helping you know that you can figure out a new way forward."
• Notable Quote:
  • Lacy: “The universe is inviting us to learn that I have her—we’re being tested so the universe can show us it will provide when we step past old scarcity.” (26:14–27:31)
• Tool: Worst Case Scenario DI to stay regulated and see the truth beneath the fear.

Mini-Mani Example:

• Jessica buys expensive security cameras, steps through the fear, and almost magically finds her dream bench at half the expected cost the next day, illustrating “situational magnetism” (24:21–26:14).

2. Ego Test (34:14–44:46)

• Theme: When rejection, envy, or the urge to “prove yourself” arises; seeking validation for worth.
• Examples: Feeling bad among people who seem “cooler,” chasing success for ego, not authenticity.
• How to Pass:
  • Recognize and double-down on your unique authenticity—don’t chase external measures of worth.
  • Seek expanders: “What’s different about my authentic gifts, and can I embrace those?”
• Notable Quotes:
  • Lacy: “Authenticity equals magnetism, period.” (09:38)
  • “Every ego test is really about inviting you to get safe with not needing validation.”
  • “If you’re judging someone else or envious, the universe is asking you to integrate what you love about them into your own authenticity.”
• Tool: Envy & Jealousy DI to uncover desires and wounds beneath judgment.

3. Core Wound Test (44:46–51:11)

• Theme: Persistent, reoccurring emotional reactions that trace back to primary wounds or childhood narratives.
• Examples: Moving through repeated patterns, intense triggers reminiscent of parental/familial conditioning.
• How to Pass:
  • Identify the real wound at play and “peel back the onion”—respond with new, empowered beliefs.
  • Personal Story: Jessica recounts a friend triggered by a group member, uncovering it was a mirror of her emotionally unavailable father.
• Notable Moments:
  • Lacy: "If you're stuck and your big manifestations aren't coming, it's likely a 'blind spot'—a core wound you haven't yet integrated."
• Tool: Unblocked DI & journal prompts for core wounds; TBM archetype/“blind spot” work.

4. Boomerang Test (51:11–53:04)

• Theme: The past comes back—old exes, jobs, or patterns resurface, tempting you to settle.
• How to Pass:
  • Recognize it for what it is.
  • Say no, reinforce boundaries, and maintain your new self-worth frequency.
• Memorable Guidance:
  • “It will stop when you decide you’re worth not answering. You can sit with the loneliness…once you say no and hold that firm, so much is going to shift on the other side.” (52:20–52:57)

5. Self-Worth Test (53:04–57:58)

• Theme: The inner critic, negative self-talk, rumination after perceived failure or criticism.
• Examples: Spinning out after feedback, self-sabotage, imposter syndrome.
• How to Pass:
  • Pause, self-validate, and remember worth is inherent—not outcome-dependent.
• Personal Example:
  • Jessica chooses not to spiral after receiving a hater comment about her voice and instead focuses on authenticity; a speaking opportunity follows.
• Tools: Validation DI, Self-Love DI, Conflict DI.

6. Inner Peace Test (58:00–61:22)

• Theme: High-stress, dysregulating events trigger your worst coping patterns.
• Examples: Accidents, emergencies, emotional upheaval.
• How to Pass:
  • Notice your default reactions; choose integration, regulation, and expansion of your distress tolerance window.
  • “How have you typically reacted when big things happen? Are you coping from reactivity or regulation?”
• Notable Story:
  • Jessica describes her calm regulation during a family holiday car incident: "There wasn't a lot of time to figure out... so I took a deep breath, found a solution, and processed emotions after." (61:22–63:35)

7. Boundary Test (63:35–End)

• Theme: Being asked to over-give, people-please, or forgo your needs for others.
• How to Pass:
  • Learn to set, communicate, and maintain boundaries in a way that respects both your needs and others’—without harshness or guilt.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Most likely, someone's intention is not to take advantage…but it feels that way to you because you’ve not practiced honoring your needs."
  • "People have strong boundaries when in deep deservingness because they understand what they’re able to give."
• Tool: Conflict DI, journaling on compromise and authenticity.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “Authenticity equals magnetism, period. The universe’s only intention is to get you back into your whole, worthy, authentic self.” — Lacy Phillips (09:38)
• “All of your tests are connected—over time, you’ll see it’s usually one or two core wounds being poked from many directions.” — Jessica Gill (16:09–16:58)
• “You can’t fail tests. It’s normal to settle or have a reaction. Another test will come back around.” — Jessica (08:33)
• “When you pass a test, keep track of what happens after—your trust muscle for tests will get super strong.” — Jessica (End summary, 66:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• What Are Tests & Why Do They Happen?: 00:00–04:23
• Recognizing Tests in Daily Life: 07:06–09:23
• Reframing Tests as Opportunities: 09:38–13:16
• Types of Tests & How to Pass Each:
  • Scarcity/Lack: 20:44–31:27
  • Ego: 34:14–44:46
  • Core Wound: 44:46–51:11
  • Boomerang: 51:11–53:04
  • Self-Worth: 53:04–57:58
  • Inner Peace: 58:00–63:35
  • Boundary: 63:35–End
• Personal & Community Manifestation Stories: Scattered throughout, especially 24:21–26:14, 46:58–51:08
• Recommended DI Tools & Practices: 29:30, 41:02, 55:09, 61:22

Actionable Takeaways

• Journaling & Pattern-Reading: Write down all current “tests,” identify the wound or insecurity they poke, and look for common threads.
• Somatic, Subconscious Tools: Use TBM’s Deep Imaginings (DI) targeted to the type of test and wound.
• Shift from Victim to Creator: Play with leaning into curiosity and excitement when faced with tests. Ask, “What is the universe inviting me to integrate, so I can become my most authentic self?”
• Track the Bridge: After responding authentically to a test, look for—and note—expansions, manifestations, and shifts that follow.

Closing Encouragement

“This is part of the human experience—having tests, having struggle, having challenges. How can we alchemize it for our highest good? That is the beauty of tests and manifestations.” — Jessica Gill (65:49)

Resources Mentioned & Further Support

• Return to Magic Challenge – 15-day reparenting and manifestation journey (see TBM Pathway Membership)
• Deep Imaginings (DI):
  • Scarcity/Lack: “Worst Case Scenario DI”
  • Ego: “Envy & Jealousy DI”
  • Core Wound: “Unblocked DI”, “Inner Child DI”
  • Boundaries & Conflict: “Conflict DI”, “Validation DI”, “Self-Love DI”
• TBM New Year Sale: $12 trial (until Jan 5)—see tobemagnetic.com

For Your Week Ahead

• Track your tests, connect them to deeper patterns, and choose an aligned action.
• Remember: Tests are invitations, not punishments, and every test passed is a new portal to magnetism and manifestation.
• You’re not alone; everyone in the community is navigating this together.

For more, explore the full suite of TBM workshops inside “The Pathway,” especially the Return to Magic protocol, or revisit foundational TBM episodes on tests and authenticity.