Reading the signs of life

Iegsaan Ally (email)

When we talk about reading signs, the first thing that comes to mind is road signs. We automatically think of stop, yield and robots. Robots are only in South Africa, because other countries call them traffic lights.

We need these road signs to arrive at our destination safely. Your car needs to be roadworthy, you need to obey the speed limit, and observe everything and everyone around you. You may always follow the rules, but for your own safety you still need to be aware of those who are not obeying the rules of the road.

Many times I hear people say that life is a journey. Well … if that is the case, what are the road signs?

If only we could have a big robot in front of us every time we need to make a decision. Wouldn’t that be great! If you want to abuse drugs, the robot goes red. If you want to study further, it goes green. Simple. Easy. No mess, no fuss.

In some way we do have a robot in the form of family and friends who love us. In addition to that we have the law of the country and our code of ethics that governs us. The big question is whether family and friends are always giving the best advice, whether the law of the country is always there to benefit us and do we always live by our principles. For the most part, things are fairly clear cut, but what happens when the robot goes orange?

It is good to study, but are you studying the right thing? It is good to be in a relationship, but is it with the right person? Where are the signs?

Do you remember being a young child sitting in the backseat of your parent’s car, the most important thing was your preoccupation with a game, a book, or these days a cellphone. You didn’t look at road signs. It is only when you were a teenager interested in driving, that you started to pay attention to signs. The signs were always there.

In life too, the signs are always there. It is only when we want to see them that they seem to appear.

When your robot goes orange, it means caution. When you are in doubt, step back and observe. Look out for signs. Your guidance can come from anywhere; a book, movie, talking to someone or having a dream. Anywhere!

From the minute we are institutionalised (pre-school, primary school, high school and tertiary) we are taught to reason, be logical and rational. We understand the scientific approach of cause and effect.

On rare occasions, though, our intuition may step in and sometimes even be contrary to logic and reason. Don’t ignore it. That also could be the sign you’ve been waiting for.

Always be open-minded, and let your inner voice be a part of your decisions.

Safe journey.