Signs Say--Listen to Your Heart Singing

I’ve spent my share of dollars on palm readers, the sketchiest one in some woman’s living room in Minneapolis.  As much as I loved the entertainment factor I still listened with a captivated ear to get a glimpse of the future, a mere hint of how I should move forward.  I’m a sucker for signs in our cosmic universe helping me explain events and decisions.  Even five years ago I caved in to saying “yes” to making a move to central Florida for my husband’s career.  What pushed me over the edge?  Driving to the food store and seeing two Florida license plates here in Pennsylvania.  I squinted at those sunny oranges, then looked to the skies and said out loud, “Wow, this HAS to be a sign from above.”*

Since I’m a seasoned soul now…should I still seek signs when making decisions?  Or should I rely on my acquired “wisdom”—(a term used loosely)-- mixed with my gut feelings?

Growing up I was the person who would listen to the radio for inspiration about how my life would unfold, wondering if a secret crush would amount to anything by what song came on my pastel radio—a little “Just a Friend” by Biz Markie vs. Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love.”  Later in life I admit to reading an ex-boyfriend’s horoscope to glean what he was up to.  Especially that I’m a Capricorn, I should be level-headed, right? 

In this decade when so many distractions obscure our thoughts, (astrological or otherwise), maybe we should be contemplating less and feeling more.  Ignore the noisy external signs that mold our thinking.  Better yet—don’t even search for them.  That’s right—take the time to embrace some quiet and stillness so we can listen to our own hearts for guidance.  Carving out those minutes without life’s static can be done.  One of my friends awakes an hour before her kids so she can enjoy her coffee and start the day on her terms.  Other ideas: go for a solo walk after dinner, make your kids do an hour of quiet time in their rooms, drive without turning on the radio.  If something bothers me I retreat to the tranquility of my bedroom and write in my journal.

Remember:  anything in life can be justified; it’s all how people frame their choices.  I get that.  But when making decisions or wondering why stuff is happening—know that life is full of coincidences.  Sometimes reading messages in innocent indicators can do more harm than good.  Rather, look inside and listen to yourself.  Get a gut feel for a warning.  Feel what brings you most joy.  Instead of figuring out the SIGNs we should be taking note of what makes our hearts SING.

* As a post script: we ended up not moving to Florida in 2008, which, to this day, I chalk up to a miracle and having faith in our destiny.  I'm glad the day my husband had to sign our moving papers I didn’t hear Natasha Bedingfield sing, “Take me away” in her song, “Pocketful of Sunshine.”  I will share—that afternoon my entire being exhaled a sigh of relief because staying in Pennsylvania felt right and made me incredibly happy.