“Sign, sign, everywhere a sign/ Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind/ Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?” These well-known lyrics state the obvious: there are signs everywhere you look. Some are more overt than others—street signs, store signs, menus, billboards—the list goes on and on. But other signs are hidden. They don’t jump out at us with flashing lights to tell us where to turn or what to do. And if our radar is not turned up, we might walk right past them.

Some “signs” come in the form of people that come in and out of our lives. They are there to guide us, shape us, and help us become the best versions of ourselves. Think about your old relationships. Did you serve a purpose for your partner, or did s/he for you? Did you help each other through a tough time? Although it may have been hard when the relationship ended, it had its time and served its purpose. The same rings true for so many other things in our lives. Let’s say the deal on your new house falls through. Disappointing, yes. But what if it happened so you wouldn’t be tied up when your dream house came on the market a week later?

Something that seemed negative happened so the good could rise to the top. Some would call this fate while others may have different explanations. But either way you look at it, this is Universal Energy pointing you in the right direction. Someone was sending you a sign.

Don’t disregard these signs. They’re there for a reason—listen and follow your instincts. Everything in life happens for a reason. You are always pointed in the right direction, by the right people, at the right time—even if it doesn’t seem that way at the moment. So, in every instance, focus on the good and try to find its hidden beauty. The reason will unfold in time.