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Seeing Warning Signs Along a Path and Altering Our Course; Or Not.

'When you're in a hole, don't dig it deeper.'
How many of us are well aware of that saying and yet, when the universe is screaming at us in every way it can to notify us we're on the wrong path, we continue down it anyways?

I know I've been guilty of doing this exact thing many times in my life and it's usually been because I didn't want to face realty.
The image that I had painted of the situation in my mind's eye or that someone else had painted for me, was far more appealing than the cold hard facts that were staring me in the face, and so I chose to continue to dig the hole deeper all the time convincing myself that the hole was only a figment of my imagination.

I've gone down many wrong roads because of this way of thinking, and when I reflect back, it usually came down to a failure to acknowledge the warnings the universe was setting out in front of me.

In the end, I not only ended up hurting myself, I ended up indirectly hurting others as well.
All of this could have been avoided had I been willing to not only listen to the various warning messages, but also been willing to heed them.

I read an interesting quote today, and as I reflected on it first thing this morning, it struck me as how true this really is.

"We are given the gift of sight to test us as to whether or not we have the wisdom to rise above that which we observe."~James Arthur Ray

Think about that. Really think about it.
I interpret this 'gift of sight' to be not only our physical eyes, but also our intuition, gut instinct and reasoning powers.

How often do we receive a loud message via one of those 'gifts of sight' and yet choose to ignore it or pretend we didn't see it? This can apply to anything in life that affects us or those around us in any way.

We see or sense or reason something wrong is happening, and yet we choose to turn the other way rather than doing something about it. In the end, more people or we ourselves, are further damaged or affected negatively by the thing that is wrong.

What if the universe has put the true sight of a particular situation in our path for a reason? What if we're the only one to have been shown the 'truth' and yet we've chosen to ignore it or disregard it as something that we're not willing to get involved with?

What are the repercussions down the road for ourselves and others? Are we then just as guilty for allowing this thing to go on without taking a stand against it or without altering the course of our own actions even though we've been given a warning?

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Royal Lepage ProAlliance Realty, Brokerage, in Belleville, Ontario (soon to be the Burlington/Oakville area of Ontario) and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.QuinteRegionRealEstate.com

Posted by Jo-Anne Smith- Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga Region Real Estate, Ont on 09/23/2008 11:45 AM

Comments (45)

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45 Comments on Seeing Warning Signs Along a Path and Altering Our Course; Or Not.

SEP

2008

It IS the thinking Jo....and staying stuck in ones own mind can be detrimental sometimes.... So I allow myself to step out of self and step into anothers shoes.....sometimes I get right back in my own shoes but at least I kept minds eye open to others sights too.

Bottom line...open mind ..open spirit :)

In this time in our history, and in our own personal lives, it is important to heed the warnings that are placed before us. If not then we end up in situations like the one we are in today. Many economists and talking heads predicted the economic woes we are in now but nothing was done to prevent them from happening.

Sometimes the mistakes are a necessary thing to help us learn and grow so we don't go down that path again. In any case, I thank God for the paths that have led me to this point. I may have also stumbled along the way, but I learned from mistakes of old and have heeded the warnings to come out okay on this end.

Best of luck to you on your journey, Nicole Weidauer

The Egerer & Weidauer Team, Keller Williams Realty North Seattle

wow like your post. I believe very much like you. I had to make some radical changes in lifestyle, business spending and direction. I was slow to make these changes even with lots of signs to let me know change was needed. In a way this market or business change whatever one calls it has made us all grow. Maybe some of us needed to rest and rethink. I know my priorities have changed and even when business is the same I will be doing it differently. The coolest thing about all this stuff is I have found my business partner to be one of a kind. She was this rather Conservative business partner and has become a friendly roaring lion who is always a pleasure to have on a team.

Jo: So many times during my life I have seen those "danger" or "warning" signs and have ignored them, knowing the outcome would be "dangerous" for me. BUT when you're/we're in those "dark places" it seems we sometimes, almost purposely, DO the WRONG thing as a way of punishing ourselves (I think).

This year has been one of the best and happiest times of my life, thank God, and I think changing my reaction to situations has helped me greatly. Because, we are the only ones that have control of us.

Jo,

I've always believed we receive millions of these type 'messages', and our ability to be 'tuned in' to the right wavelength determines how effectively we 'heed' these messages...even those who are physically blind receive the same 'messages'...and share the same opportunities!!! Thanks, Fran

JO, the times in my life where I have failed to listen to that little voice I have come to regret it. The older I get the more I listen.

Jo, I too believe we ALL have Intuition and "gut feelings" and know what we should do. I didn't always used to listen to it and it was then I'd find myself in trouble. Now even if something doesn't seem rational, I listen the that voice in my head first and think "rationally" later!

Hi Jo, the real problem with our sight is we see with the mind's eye, our perception. Perception is OUR reality. If we don't see something as a problem, or we stick our head in the sand, it is not a problem. Now that's denial of course. But at some point we need a wake up call to get back on track. Sometimes it takes a long time to learn the lesson that keeps appearing in front of us over and over again.

Hi Jo,
I am a big believer in "that gut feeling" and when we ignore it, we make mistakes. Perhaps maturity is learning to listen to that voice. How many times have we all said, "it just didn't feel right, but I did it because........................."?

Sally,

It always comes back to the golden rule, doesn't it? Somehow it's all tied in together.

Nicole,

I often wonder why it is that humans, once on a certain path, somehow become blinded to the facts and if many are on the same path, they all stay on it together. This seems to happen even when they all know better. It's almost like they go into a trance state...or perhaps it's learned helplessness.

I do believe that many problems and mistakes are opportunities in disguise and may bring about greater good in the end.

I'm glad you've learned from your mistakes and things have turned out okay for you.

SEP

2008

good morning Daisy,

It seems humans are creatures of habit so I can see why we often are slow to heed warnings and take appropriate action. Self-discipline is actually a learned skill, not something that comes naturally.

I'm glad to hear you have found the silver lining in the cloud and the new dynamics of the market have brought out the best in you business partner to the benefit of both of you. It helps to have someone around is filled with humour and looks at the light side of things....

((-:

Kat,

Your comment was very interesting and I had to ponder on it for awhile. Perhaps we sometimes go down wrong roads to learn the lessons that we know we'll find there...

I'm SO HAPPY to hear that things are going well for you now and that this past year has been one of your happiest. I know the rough road you were on for a bit and was thinking of you all the time and hoping and praying that you were ok and that things would get better for you, so hearing this makes me very glad.

I'm also glad that you're now living close to your family....

((-:

Fran,

I believe you are right....staying open to the universe/God is what matters if we are to learn and take advantage of these messages, however many people are close off or figure they can go it alone.

sorry, suffering a time crunch here. I'm going away for a couple of days....will return to reply to comments on Friday!

((-:

Hi Jo,

Thought provoking post! I look back over my life and think of all the times that inner voice has told me to get out, run, what the heck are you doing and still I did nothing, afraid that maybe this time my gut feeling was wrong or things will change or get better, but no that little voice is always right and I should know better and listen. But at times it is easier not to listen than to hurt others. It is like you are damned if you do and damned if you don't.

Have a good trip!

SEP

2008

Hello Jo, thought provoking for me particularly at this time. I've had my head in the sand and been grounded in my belief of the goodness of things. Rocked recently with this financial crisis for our country, I've felt the need to voice my concern and to try and point to the people who are respresenting in a knowledgeable and truthfully way, what is occurring. I can no longer avoid the warning voice with me. Thank you for you every so subtle and meaningful work.

Marchel.

I wonder why we hear the voice and yet we choose to ignore it anyway? Perhaps there are lessons we need to know or perhaps it is just plain lacking in common sense....hmmm.

Carole,

There seems to be such a recurring theme amongst the comments on this post..... ignoring the gut instinct and voices and ending up in trouble. I guess it's like they say 'Forewarned is forearmed', however that only applies if we heed the forewarning. Remember my favourite saying 'Spirit warns you twice, the third time you stand alone.'?

Gary,

Your comments are always filled with so much wisdom that really hit you right where is necessary and deal directly with the way it really is...thank you.
I have heard that the universe will first give you subtle clues and eventually will beat you over the head to get you to pay attention to what it is trying to tell you...sometimes not even that works. I guess you're right, we see what we want to see...

SEP

2008

Jo-Ann - You are very insightful and I couldn't agree with you more. It takes courage to act on some of those "truths" even when others will not! I have always been one to march forward and at times it can be scary.

Don't be too hard on yourself; God knows I can relate to your post here.

Things happen for a reason although we often do not have the perception to think that something else tends to guide our directions at times.

Sincerely

Tombo

Trace,

You've summarized it so perfectly and I feel like I could have written your comment myself.

I had a nice trip and the weather was beautiful.....warm and sunny. Thanks!

Cynthia,

I agree with you completely....I know I've often gone against my gut instinct, only to regret it later. It's especially important to pay attention to that instinct in the business we are in, especially since there might not be a second chance.

SEP

2008

Hi Jo, I don't know where I heard it but I think about a pit of quick sand instead of a hole. If you just try to fight it you just get in deeper...it makes me stop and pause--and often just ask for help from an outsider on firmer ground. Cheers, Harley

Jo - Life for some is like being a horse in a buggy race. They strap on the blinders so they can not see what is going on around them, build fences and run on a narrow track so they can not be influenced by outside sources, have someone or something driving them to the goal ahead of those running the race with them.

It's time for us to stop running in circles and get off the track. Get back out in the fields where we can encounter life and all that goes with it. It's is time to open our eyes to the world around us to see what is happening, to what the signs are telling us is likely going to happen and preparing for it.

Very thought provoking post Jo .....Choices in life are not easy! But no wisdom comes from ease....and Nothing is a coincidence. We are all put in places/situations for a reason or to learn something..... if our gut warns us.... have courage - here's one of my favorite quotes :)

"Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow" - Dorothy Thompson

I'll keep you in my prayers - may you overcome what has been placed on your plate.

Take care

Sincerely,

Grace

SEP

2008

Hi Jo-Anne-

It's true. Sometimes we're too busy to realize we are just digging a deeper hole. The quotes also reminded me of these too.

There are none so blind than those who will not see
There are none so deaf than those who will not hear
Those too close to the forest cannot see the trees

Thanks for sharing & greetings from Paradise.

Jeanean,

Be gentle with yourself....you may have had your head in the sand, however perhaps you were grounded in the belief of the goodness of things due to the fact that we see things as we ourselves are, not as they actually are.

The financial crisis is widespread in this global economy and Ontario's economy is currently suffering greatly too, pretty much on par with many of the states. We are inextricably tied to the USA and it has never been more evident than now, so we're all in this together.

I think it's wondeful that you're voicing your concern...far too few people do and this is at the root of many quandaries; too few people willing to take a stand before it's too late.

Joan,

In times of crisis, I always remember a quote that I came across long ago. It's simply 'Courage, my love.'

Courage is always so freeing and once we cross that thresh-hold that courage brings us across, everything seems to begin falling into place before us.

I admire greatly people who are of courage.

thank you for visiting and for your comment that caused me to ponder over 'courage' and it's meaning this morning,

Tom,

Thank you for your insight...my thought patterns are aligned with yours on this subject.

What a thought provoking article. I had to read all the comments because I see a lot of wisdom being poured out. Okay I am going to butcher this but it goes something like God grant me the wisdom to change the things I can. The wisdom to leave things along which I can't change and the wisdom to know the difference between the two. Some one help me on this. I have learned to try and listen to God's voice speaking to me. The only problem is when I am not paying attention is when I get in trouble. Reading the signs can save us a lot of pain. I like the movie with Jim Carey when he is yelling at God, speak to me as he is driving by a truck load of signs saying wrong way, do not enter. Kind of funny movie. Good article.

Harley,

Excellent advice for anyone in a quandary and not knowing which way to turn. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

((-:

SEP

2008

Barrie,

What a beautiful comment....and so very true. Thank you for your wonderful words of inspiration, and yes, I've given great thought to them and they've brought clarity to many things that have been on my mind lately.

OCT

2008

Grace,

What a beautiful quote....so much wisdom. I came across an interesting quote this week, twice in fact~ Throw your heart over the fence and the rest will follow. Norman Vincent Peale.

thank you for stopping by!

Greg,

hello! good quotes and timely wisdom for everything that is going on in the world today...thank you for visiting this post,

(-:

hi Steven,

Amazing how many quotes and verses there are that all say the same thing using different ways. It seems to be all about doing our best to follow the guidance we are given and then accepting what comes to be.

I'm a big fan of Jim Carey and enjoyed that part too. Jim Rohn is one of my business gurus and some of his wisdom applies here too...namely:

"Learn to discipline your disappointment and keep on sowing, because you didn't set up the set up." ~Jim Rohn

thanks for stopping by with your very insightful thoughts,

Hi Joanne, this makes me think of the Yogi Berra's quote, "If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else." Everyday we are faced with choices... we have to be wise with each one. Great post!! Thanks... Deborah :)

OCT

2008

Deborah,

How true! It reminds me of something my youngest son always says 'If you don't want, you don't get.'. Knowing what you want and where you want to go makes all the difference in the world......

((-:

Jo, your last paragraph reminds me of the famous quotation from Edmund Burke: "All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing."

Brian,

That quote is very similar to my last paragraph. Although I wasn't really thinking of 'evil' at the time, it certainly applies there too.
This makes me think of what took place during every genocide of so many cultures/races and people throughout history.

OCT

2008

Exciting and scary thought at the same time......The awesome responsibility and unique vision and gifts we each have as individuals...I was just writing something along these lines....This is very good Jo-Anne - we all say we want to make a difference...........but?

OCT

2008

Liz,

thank you for the insight you have added with your comment on this post....I believe we have our gifts not only to help ourselves, but moreso to help others. It's a big responsibility to step up and utilize that which we have been given and it is the only way things will ever change. It begins with each one of us.

OCT

2008

What if the universe has put the true sight of a particular situation in our path for a reason? What if we're the only one to have been shown the 'truth' and yet we've chosen to ignore it or disregard it as something that we're not willing to get involved with?

It can be hard to have the courage to be the one to act when everyone else is going in the other direction. Basically we all have to do what we think is right, because in the end you have to live with yourself.

OCT

2008

good morning Pam,

How true....your comment reminded me of the poem my Dad gave me a copy of years ago~

The Man in the Glass

thanks for stopping by,

~Jo

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