This week I was observing the life circumstances of people involved in infamous court cases and wondered: What brings good people to the brink of disaster? Upon further inspection, it was clear that players in each scenario had opportunities where they had to make decisions. Whether choosing to go left, or “right,” would change the course of their lives forever.
This made me think of my own life. There clearly are times where I’ve made decisions that had substantial impacts on not only the course of my life, but activities, and the amount of joy, or lack there-of, in my experiences.
One thing, however, is crystal clear: There always were signs. Whether that nagging thought I couldn’t get out of my head, or hesitation to move forward (even if, and especially if, I’d already made a decision to do so), or seemingly endless obstacles thrown in along the journey. Sometimes the “right” road was obvious, other times, my thinking or desires got in the way of what I knew was good for me, but always, always, there were signals to behold.
Whether it’s the faithful and secure spouse, who all-of-a-sudden, experiences doubt about a relationship or un-characteristically questions a spouse’s whereabouts; the job interview where seemingly inconsequential comments and behaviors of the interviewer leave one questioning the company’s integrity; or “drama” that constantly seems to follow a friend and wondering how much you should involve yourself – there is always something that makes our inner alarm “ring.” Yet, how often do we listen?
What’s tough is following the signs without knowing the logic behind them. In American society, we value scientific proof, studies, reasoning, logic. Though intuition, and that “gut feeling,” often is referenced, we truly rely on the things we know, facts to rely on, tangible items to touch and feel. So, based on these learned behaviors, how then will we know when to observe the intangible signs and feelings we may experience vs. relying on the facts as they are presented? The answer is up to the individual, and the issue is one I sometimes struggle with myself.
One thing I know for sure. If something keeps popping up unexpectedly – that feeling, strange signs, unexpected people – pay attention. Put your antennae up and make the extra effort to follow the grade-school adage we used to cross the street: “Stop. Look. Listen.” That extra second of attention may be the one that helps you decide to round the corner, and thus avoid impending disaster.
Doni Luckutt is a lifestyle expert who believes by enhancing interpersonal connection, we can stop simply living, and become Simply Alive! If you have a suggestion on what brings you to life, connect with her on Twitter @SimplyAlive, via e-mail Doni@SimplyAliveWorld.com or on her blog: .
