Life is full of signs.
It’s been a stressful, emotional and tiring day. I’ve spent a large part of it focusing on what’s gone wrong. I’ve dwelled in insecurity, loneliness, fear for the future. I’ve worried about people and events outside of my control. I’ve cursed my luck and pitied myself for unfortunate things that happen. I’ve even gotten to the point where I’ve considered escaping through an unhealthy behavior. It was at this point that I started to notice some signs…
- I was rear-ended this afternoon on my way to an appointment, but slid forward on the ice beneath my tires slightly, the impact causing me to slide, but not to crash.
Instead of a head injury, I have only a stiff neck.
Just an icy road, or a sign?
- My head aching and my heart hurting, I sat in the dark watching TV. As my thoughts, too, filled with darkness, the lamp next to me turned on without a switch.
An electrical malfunction, or a sign?
- As my inner monologue repeated to me that I had no purpose, that no one cared… I was brought outside of myself by a message from a treatment friend asking me for help. The gift of service never fails to remind me that this is about so much more than just me.
A coincidental message, or another sign?
- At school today, in a moment of desperation, seeking an escape… My eyes fell upon a message of hope on the wall of the ladies’ restroom:
In psychology, we talk a lot about whether behaviors or events happen for a reason or whether they are simply due to chance. Statistics usually determine the answer to that question. But in life, I find that it’s up to us. Do I believe these signs (if that’s what they are) to be the mere result of chance? I don’t know, really. But whatever they are, they give me hope… and that means something.
…Life is full of signs.
Sometimes, it just takes a minute to notice them for what they are.
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