Maybe It’s a Sign: 3 Ways to Read the Signs

The other day I got a speeding ticket. It really sucked but the truth is, I was driving 60 mph in a 45 mph zone. I promise I wasn’t simply being reckless and irresponsible. I was rushing to an appointment and the hill I’d normally pump the brakes on, I didn’t. I was just trying to make up for lost time. The police officer who was tucked away in a corner on a motorcycle said I had a great attitude about being pulled over and that I smiled a lot but still had to give me a ticket.

What I was reminded of in that moment was that when you follow the signs you end up getting to the places you’d like to go. When you ignore those signs, however, you may end up lost, in danger or in trouble. An end result you had not hoped for.

Speeding tickets and flashing lights before a lane closure are one thing but what happens when you ignore the signs in your life? When that lover is showing you things you don’t like and the relationship is starting to feel tense. Do you just hang around without addressing the elephant in the room or do you recognize that the signs are pointing you to stop and effectively communicate needs and wants?

What happens when that job begins to demand mandatory overtime without pay? Now you’ve stopped showering and showing up to your yoga class. What about when you’re so stressed in this relationship or job that you have stopped sleeping? The signs may point to eventual mental and emotional overload.

If you’ve been ignoring the signs in your life here are three ways to help you get back on track:

Slow Down: Often when things get difficult or change up in any way we start working more, volunteering more and just generally doing more. Instead, one might benefit from slowing down to see what is actually needed to adjust effectively and avoid stalling out.

Stay in Your Lane: When we are on the freeway we know to stay in the north lane if we want to go to Sacramento. We’d never dream of going south toward San Diego when we need to north, right? In life if something feels like the wrong direction, slow down, stop, regroup and ask for directions then get back on the desired track.

Stop and Check the GPS: When you’re driving and hit a dead end you stop and reenter the address on your GPS. In your life you may have to stop and make sure you know where you want to go. Have you told yourself you want more free time but you keep putting more tasks on your lists, instead? Remember, your behaviors affect your mental and emotional presentation and vis a vis impressions.

The signs are literally everywhere. On the road, in the grocery store, in your relationships and in the mirror.

Contact Tanyika Moore Healing Arts if you’re having trouble getting to where you’re trying to be mentally or emotionally for a consultation or referral.

By: Tanyika “Tann” Moore, LMFT