Neither of us are all that into Astrology but that doesn’t mean we aren’t open to signs. Everyday we encounter signs. But, do we follow them or decide to ignore what they tell us? Doc and Cassie recently stumbled on this sign during a walk.

They heeded the warning and turned around.

Living with a terminal cancer diagnosis and being their caregiver both require expert “sign-reading” skills. For the care-getter: How do my actions translate into how I feel physically? How does the way I feel today compare to previous days/months? What things make me more emotionally healthy? For the caregiver it’s heeding signs about self-care even as you worry more about your partner. It’s also being constantly aware of how your loved one is feeling and when to offer your thoughts and opinions about their life, actions and decisions — these are especially tricky signs to read.

In this time of staying at home and living life much differently than we used to (even after the cancer diagnosis), we are both seeing signs. For the most part, Cassie is feeling well — some days even than when we were home. We’re taking this as a sign that a slower, more relaxed pace is beneficial. Cassie’s joints hurt less. This sign points to the benefits of single level living and lots of walks. She’s also sleeping better. Maybe the dog is not allowed to sleep with us when we get home? And despite the worry about Covid-19, she is feeling less stressed generally — we’re not sure what this sign is! 

For Dan less social media and news has resulted in far less anxiety (maybe that stays). Truly limiting work to dedicated days/hours has resulted in greater presence at non-work times (can he continue this discipline?)

What part of this slower, pared down life works for us? Are there things from this time that we want to carry forward after the quarantine is lifted? Is it possible for us to move out of quarantine time and continue to have fewer expectations for ourselves? Can we move forward with a priority on taking walks, napping, reading and playing cards? 

How do we read these signs and apply the messages moving forward? 

PS: Here some other signs we’ve recently seen and appreciated.

PPS: Cassie is a Taurus and Dan a Libra, in case you’re curious.