Friday started out as an ick-ish day. I’m not going to get into why because it doesn’t really matter. It’s not like there was anything particularly bad going on. I was just suffering from a “poor me” moment, which I know is in direct opposition to my recent post about perspective. I am a big believer in perspective and the larger picture, but everybody has those blah moments when perspective abandons them. It’s how you deal with those moments that matters, right?

I was on my way to work when the universe handed me a little reminder about that. Stick with me here.

I mentioned before that I believe in signs. I also think the universe — and that could include somebody who’s no longer with us — often tries to tell us what we need to hear … if we’re listening. Notice I said “need to hear,” not “want to hear.” Huge difference.

Here’s an example. Before I bought my townhouse a couple of years ago (That’s a whole other story.), I was feeling the need to make a change in my life, not entirely unlike what I was feeling before signing up for the Arizona 3-Day. The same, but different. More of a stuck feeling.

While I was kicking around what my big move should be — I had no idea at the time that it would be a literal move — I kept hearing a song on the radio — Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway.” It was on every time I turned on the radio. Seriously. Every. Single. Time.

It didn’t matter where I was or what I was doing. If I was anywhere near a radio of any kind, it was playing “Breakaway.” I’ll be the the first to admit it was weird. It went on for weeks. But once the deal for my townhouse was in progress, it stopped. I’d made my change — broken away.

Something similar happened while I was driving to work on this ick-ish Friday.

I was listening to the radio when suddenly the station changed to something on the other end of the dial, something I don’t normally listen to. It wasn’t pre-programmed and I didn’t hit a bump or anything that would cause the radio to jolt. It just switched to this random frequency that I don’t even think is an actual radio station, at least not one I know about. And it came up right at the beginning of a song.

So, what was playing? Cue Jimmy Cliff.

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone.
I can see all obstacles in my way.
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.
It’s gonna be a bright (bright) bright, bright and sunshinin’ day.
It’s gonna be a bright (bright) bright, bright and sunshinin’ day.

Are you singing along yet? Feel free to chime in if you know the words.

Yes, I can make it now, the pain is gone.
All of the bad feelings have disappeared.
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin’ for.
It’s gonna be a bright (bright) bright, bright and sunshinin’ day.
It’s gonna be a bright (bright) bright, bright and sunshinin’ day.

Look all around, there’s nothing but blue skies.
Look straight ahead, there’s nothing but blue skies.

As soon as Jimmy finished singing — it seemed like it was just for me — the radio switched back to the original station, and I kid you not, I actually saw a rainbow. Granted it was just a little one over a lawn that was being watered, but still. Message received.

How’s that for weird? I can see you going, “Uh, huh. Right.” I know it seems far-fetched, and I’m sure there’s a perfectly boring … ahem, logical… explanation. But I prefer my message-from-the-universe/beyond theory. I’ll choose the extraordinary over ordinary any day of the week and twice on Sunday. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it. (I promise I’m not crazy. Well, no crazier than any other person who signs up to walk 60 miles in three days.)

Back to the song. I got the point — at least the point as I perceived it — and snapped myself out of my funk. Perspective had returned. Life is good.

And here’s another interesting tidbit about this particular song. I finished putting together my first 30- and 45-minute playlists a couple of weeks ago and “I Can See Clearly Now” is on one of ‘em. Coincidence? I think not. (Before you ask, no, I didn’t have my iPod with me when the song came on.)

Do you ever feel like the universe is trying to tell you something?