A couple things inspired my username.
The first thing: during my first stay at a hospital due to a suicide attempt I met a really sweet girl who was in the midst of a manic episode. She said what led her there was a counselor/therapist she had talked to before told her to "stop and smell the roses", and it "opened her eyes"... it basically triggered her manic episode.
Looking back, I believe my depressive episode had psychotic features, because I too took those words as a sign of sorts. When the girl was explaining herself I felt this connection, like she was onto something. I soon began hearing/seeing the phrase EVERYWHERE (TV, magazines, signs, movies...) and thought it meant something greater. I still feel that jolt of "this means something" when I hear the phrase, see a rose, etc.
The second thing: During my search for more "signs" I heard
this song - which basically describes every relationship I have with someone. thanks to my mood issues.
I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine, there's gotta be a little rain sometime
When you take you gotta give, so live and let live, and let go
I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden