Navigating Life's Signs

Laughter does not have to come from a major source. It could be ... relatively minor.

Apr 08, 2025

It’s just a sign of the times. We are surrounded by an overwhelming number of signs, reminiscent of that classic tune: “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, blocking out the scenery, breaking my mind — do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?” Honestly, it’s impossible to keep up!

Sometimes, I need a sign to figure out which one to follow! It’s like having my mother right there whispering sage advice: “Eat your vegetables!” “Don’t date that guy!” “Try merging left to avoid catastrophe!” What’s next? A sign that says “Quit while you’re ahead”?

Now, let’s dive into road signs! One way, wrong way, enter, do not enter — don’t even get me started on stop and go! Yield? And then there’s the delightful sign announcing your lane is about to disappear? It feels like life’s little joke: “Surprise! You thought you were making progress? Think again!”

With this constant barrage of signs, is it any wonder we find ourselves distracted while driving? Just when I think I’m headed toward clarity, BAM — a dead end!

Sign outside of Jordan Creek Mall (Photo credit, Vicki E. Minor)

As I was leaving the mall recently, a sign caught my eye and made me laugh. It was cleverly placed on the sidewalk as I stepped off the curb to find my car. The sign encouraged people to be considerate by using the nearby trash cans for their chewed gum instead of tossing it on the ground like a sticky Frisbee. The addition of a silhouette of a shoe squishing gum underneath added a humorous yet impactful visual to its message.

Considering that gum costs $2 or $3 a pack, I can’t imagine discarding my chewed gum for someone else to step on. I intend to savor every last stick, treating each piece as if I’m preparing for an eternity of chewing!

And just think — won’t Mom be proud?