Don’t Ignore Life’s Common Signposts

In life, we encounter signposts that remind us to stop, look, listen and learn. They are there for a reason and we are remiss if we don’t take them seriously.

Signs can be annoying when we just want to get on with the business of living, working and pursuing our goals. After all, we hear that the world is our oyster and the sky is the limit. We are busy trying to manage a multitude of tasks on our way to collect our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We barely have the time or patience to help those in need. We are so consumed by the demands of our busy lives that we discard common courtesies.

Furthermore, when we fall behind on our schedule or assume additional responsibilities, we step up the pace leaving collateral damage behind. Then, when we see signposts we lament, “I don’t have time for this.” But they are not obstructions in our path but designed to keep us safe, sane and centred.

Let’s look at some of life’s common signposts and their messages.

Stop

Because we are inclined to work ourselves ragged, insisting that our lifestyle and career demands that we be constantly on the go, this signpost reminds us to pull onto the shoulder and stop. Travelling at full speed, every day, with only the necessary daily stops to eat and sleep, is no way to live a fulfilled and joyful life. If we don’t stop for regularly scheduled physical, emotional and spiritual tune ups, eventually, we lose steam. With no energy left, our motivation falters, we lose hope, sputter and stall.

Sometimes “Stop” may mean a short rest just to take a breath and then we can move on. Other times, it demands a full-blown sabbatical to engage in serious self-evaluation and physical rejuvenation.

So, when you see the sign, please, STOP.

Look

Our lives today are cramped with 21st century demands, activities and concerns that did not exist before. We feel compelled to get with the programme, fit in and go with the flow. Plus, modern-day life stands in glaring comparison to the “good old days.” And, we talk about them with more than a hint of nostalgia. Life was so simple and we could easily count the simple joys and blessings of that bygone era.

The weight of our responsibilities drives us to rise up and rush out before dawn and return long after dusk. The truly good things in life get lost in those long, activity-filled hours. Busy making a living, we forget to make a life.