It seems we are always being pulled in so many directions. We get constant bombardments from the media — “do this” and “don’t do that.” Read this and your life will be transformed. Use the right toothpaste for a blindingly bright smile. Eat your veggies. Exercise. Turn off the TV. Meditate. Lose weight. Lose the attitude. And don’t get me started on the never-ending soap opera of American politics.
Enough! Enough, I say! As far as I’m concerned, a much simpler approach works: Just read the signs.
Do you ever think about the road signs you pass by every day? Hopefully, you do notice them and follow their instructions, at least as they relate to driving. But that’s not what I’m talking about. And no, this isn’t an article about road rage. What I’m suggesting is that the signs we see along the road are also symbolic — and therefore helpful to us in areas other than driving.
For instance, when I see a “stop” sign, I occasionally think, “Stop what?” Do I, for instance, need to stop flying along on “auto pilot”? Do I need to stop trying to convince someone to share my point of view, or stop trying to gain someone’s approval? Is it time to stop being the leader (or the follower) in some situation? Would it benefit others (or myself) if I could stop seeing things the same old way, if I could see another point of view?
Closely related to “stop” is “yield.” This is a signal that, while we may not need to entirely stop what we’re doing or saying, perhaps we need to slow down, wait, or make room for others. For some of us, “yield” is a humbling word. It means losing ground, giving in. But when others yield space or time to us, we feel included and regarded. So, why not reciprocate, on the road or off?
How about “caution”? Being cautious is a good thing. It doesn’t mean giving up, or stopping what we’re doing. It simply means to be alert, to be careful. Doesn’t everything in our lives deserve care? Isn’t caring for others (and ourselves) the most important thing we do?
“No exit” signs can be frustrating. But maybe they can remind us of areas in our lives where we’ve done the same thing over and over, to no avail — until, finally, we learn that only by trying a different way will we succeed. And isn’t it possible that rerouting may bring us an unexpected gift or two? Maybe we’ll enjoy some new scenery, or discover a shortcut. It’s worth a try!
Now, I don’t enjoy encountering orange barrels any more than you do. But what if we thought of “construction ahead” signs differently? What if they reminded us that each of us is always “under construction”? Could this sign help us to be more tolerant? Could we be more patient if, instead of thinking about the delays, we remembered that a new and improved person (oneself or the other guy) might result from the renovation project?
“Hospital” signs are great reminders of the needs of others. The word “hospital” is related to “hospitable.” How can we be more hospitable, more open and kind-hearted, to those around us? Would it help to consider that others who annoy or anger us might be hurting, in body, mind or spirit?
School zones can be a real pain, can’t they? I get it, but to me, the word “school” is a reminder that I still have a lot to learn, that “school” is never over in life. It also makes me think of children, my own and everyone else’s. How precious they are! They are the hope of tomorrow for the entire world; they bring special joys to the present and happy memories of the past. Both literally and figuratively, it’s well worth the investment of time and effort for us to slow down — to safeguard and cherish all children in every possible way.
Read the signs. They’re all around you, ready to challenge you, help you, and improve you. Wear your seatbelt, watch out for speed bumps, and pay attention to the curves in the road. Drive on… life is good!
Kathy Baker is a writer and speaker who specializes in inspiration and humor. She can be reached at [email protected].
Kathy Baker is a writer and speaker, a messenger of encouragement who loves to touch hearts and tickle souls with her work. She is the author of “Leaving Adversity Plaza,” and “A Tale of Three Choices: His, Hers, Mine.” She loves hearing from her readers and can be reached at [email protected].