Signs…Are We Paying Attention?

Signs – they are everywhere. Signs are meant to inform us of so many things – good and not so good. As we are moving about a bit more freely, there are a few signs that I see all too frequently. Whether I am in a residential neighborhood or a main road, this sign is almost everywhere. I understand why, yet it saddens me.

I have noticed that people are driving like they received their driver’s licenses out of a candy machine at midnight last night. There are a lot of impatient, hostile drivers on the roads — even the weekends. Cutting across lanes, driving way too close, and absolutely being totally inconsiderate of others on the road. Some mornings it is quite unnerving. My daily trek into town has witnessed more cars embracing everything from telephone poles to street lights — hopefully the drivers survived. I have to adjust myself in my seat, put on my aggressive armor and pray no one hits me. Not the way to start the morning, right? This is not about just this sign.
Observing people as we face this new reality, I think we have some work to do. Here are a few suggested signs which I feel might be considered:

ACT LIKE OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE MATTERS
When I read the headlines or scroll through my social media feeds, all I see is negativity. It seems as though the ugliness of the world has come to the surface like kudzu on the trees along the roadside. Perhaps it is the frustration of being inside during our period of unintentional pausing, perhaps it is from the examples that were constantly a part of our existence for the past few years, or maybe it is just time for an emotional release. Whatever the reason, our actions will be mimicked by our children and grandchildren. Are we doing the right thing by not speaking what we know is truth? When we mishandle our emotions for all to see, is this a good example for future generations? Are we lowering the bar on what is expected of the adults in the room? Perhaps we should try thinking before we speak or act, to be sure that we are setting an example of what should be expected from the adults in charge. After all, one day they will be adults – we do want them to act accordingly, right?

TRY BEING KIND
I find it unreal that people need to be told this in 2021. Somehow, a few people might have forgotten how they were raised. I am of a generation of adults that are considered boomers to some, or old to others. The word “seasoned” is one that I love to use. When I season a pot of vegetables, I use many different things to achieve the desired taste. Imagining my life as a pot, each experience is like an ingredient. From childhood to adulthood, love, divorce, realizing who I am, to simply savoring the moments – all have helped shape me into the woman I am today. One of the key seasonings I have consistently used in my life “pot” is kindness.
It is a great balancer of the negative things we find along our life’s journey. If someone is having a bad day, being nice can make a difference. Think of being nice like the perfect hug your mom gave you when you skinned your knee or simply didn’t feel well. Imagine signs along the highways and byways that reminded us to try being kind. Kindness matters, don’t you think?

SMILE - BE THE REASON SOMEONE SMILES BACK
This should require no explanation. Did you know a smile can be seen even when masked?? It is called eye contact, a simple nod or waving of the hand is a great way to physically smile. We will most likely be safely masked for quite some time. Our new reality does not mean we must have an eternal furrowed brow or glance away when we pass each other.
Let your eyes do the smiling. When driving in the car alone, look out the window and smile – a big bold, broad smile. It will brighten the day of those in the car next to you (or they just might think you are a little crazy – that is ok) and they just might smile back. If not - you know you tried. Make eye contact with someone and simply smile with your eyes. Acknowledging that we are all in this together and are making the best of a difficult situation is worth making those eyes twinkle, don’t you think?
I am not one to stay in the state of misery. Finding fault in anything and everything is not a part of who I am. Many are finding that no matter what, the urge to complain comes easily. Find ways to help others turn that frown upside down. Change the conversation, practice your best Pollyanna moves, or dismiss yourself.
Nope – this is not a mindless post. It is merely something I have been wanting to shout from the rooftops for quite some time. It IS a reminder that we need to climb out of this rut of doom we seem to have fallen into. Negativity is simply not something to be sprinkled around like confetti. Instead, let’s sprinkle some sparkles of positivity and get this world back on track.

I am willing, are you?