Little signs from the universe

If a rainbow appeared in the sky as you walked out of a crappy day of jury duty, would you notice it? What about a swarm of butterflies by your Grandma's mausoleum? Or that gut feeling telling you to walk away from something toxic? It was always there, but did you ever acknowledge its presence? Do you see the little signs from the universe, or are you so preoccupied you look past them with tunnel vision? There never seems to be enough time to stop and smell the roses, but what if their scent carried a message you desperately needed to hear?

I believe in coincidence being just that, but some things are meant for you to notice. On my first road trip after amputation, I made a huge mistake and forgot to pack the battery charger that keeps my microprocessor knee from being little more than something heavy for me to drag around. To say I was frustrated is an understatement. I cried, I yelled, and I felt sorry for myself. I needed this trip to bring my spirits up and show me that travel was something I could still experience fully. Eventually, I decided I better get out of the Airbnb and see as much as I could of Asheville before this leg became a paperweight. I had a great day and accepted that was all I would get to see of the city on foot and went to bed. Miraculously, when I woke up the next morning, my leg still had juice in her, and I continued to get out and explore day after day, with the battery lasting longer than it ever had in the past and far longer than the internet said it would. She finally let out her nine loud beeps, indicating that either a bomb was about to go off or the battery had finally died; on the last day of the trip, as we returned from another fantastic full day wandering around town and visiting ALL the locations I had on my list. That was no coincidence. It was a sign the universe was sending to keep me going. To help fuel my hope during one of the most challenging times of my life, recovering from limb loss.

So when I see a swarm of butterflies or a rainbow in the sky, I stop and soak up the moment. I smell the flowers. I smile big because this world isn't all bad, and I've seen the proof. There are moments meant to show you just how much magic hides in plain sight, waiting for you to notice. And it's when the world does show its ugly parts that you truly need to keep your eyes open for the little signs from the universe. I promise they are coming.