We’ve probably all heard the expression, “Don’t count days, make the days count.” Well, I believe that’s a good motto. It reminds us to be thankful every single day for all of the blessings that happen around us, most of which, sadly, we don’t even pay attention to.
However, I also believe that counting the days has benefits. And let’s face it, we all count down the days until something happens. Important, landmark events are especially easy to look forward to with anticipation. Kids count the number of days left until summer vacation. Parents count the number of days until school resumes in the fall. A lot of people keep track of how many more days remain until Christmas. How many more days until graduation. How many more days until we turn 16, 18, 21, 60. How many more days until our BIG day – our wedding day. How many more days until we pay off our car or our mortgage. How many more work days until retirement.
Writers count down a lot of important – landmark – events. We count the days until we get our contest results back. We count the number of days until our first book release. We count the number of days until our first book signing. All huge days in the life of a fledgling writer.
I think counting the days is just part of our make-up. People who plan, are especially sensitive to keeping track of how many more days they have to finish their planning before an event. How many more nights they have to lay awake in anticipation of something really exciting happening.
Planning – counting days – builds anticipation. I think it also teaches us patience. Let’s use me as an example. Lately, I’ve been counting every single day. 16 more days until my last radiation treatment. 56 more days until my last chemo session. 193 more days until I’m at my happy place (Disney World). Counting these days keeps me sane and helps me get through this awful, trying time. Being “sick,” isn’t fun. I’m counting the days until I’m not “sick” any more. I’m counting the days until I can go someplace that makes me feel really happy and carefree and forget all about everything else going on around me. No more IV drips, no more blood draws, no more needle pokes, no more bloody bandages, no more pills, no more hats and wigs to cover my bald head. You see? Counting the days, in this case, is a very good thing.
How about you dear readers: do you count the days until important or exciting events? Do you think counting days is a good thing? Do you remember to also count your blessings?
Word of the day: Xanthous
Fun fact about me: In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m a planner. I enjoy planning an event almost as much as I enjoy the event itself.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, February 2018. Images courtesy Google Images.
I’m so glad that works for you!
I’m counting the months until I’m done with Anastrozole! My next checkup is this Thursday then six more months and I’ll be 5 years cancer-free. Although I had surgery in May, I think my doctor will keep me on the meds for the full 6 months. I’ll soon find out. I figured out the days, but it’s too depressing. Ha!
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Ha. Yes, sometimes it’s easier to keep track of weeks or months, even years sometimes, because it’s a smaller, more manageable number. I’m so glad you’re at that milestone – 5 years cancer free!!!!! That’s huge! Best of luck with the medical professionals. And, keep taking care of yourself, you beautiful lady!
Thanks for stopping by today. Happy Monday.
Patricia
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Oh, yes – I definitely count down the days when something exciting is coming up, and sometimes it’s nothing more than counting down the days until the weekend. Having the light at the end of the tunnel gives us something to keep our focus on while in the darkness, right? 193 days will fly by and then you can be with all your Disney buddies in their world of magic…and I’m jealous, by the way. 🙂 I need to go back!
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Yes, the light at the end of the tunnel is a good thing to focus on. I have a very long tunnel yet, but I can see the light.
I’m so looking forward to Disney World. I know it’ll be hot and humid and crowded, but there’s something magical about being there that makes those things seem inconsequential. Besides, any place is better than the cancer center.
As always, thanks for stopping by and sharing. I hope you have a great week. Only 4 more days until the weekend!
Patricia
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Counting the days until Daylight Savings Time begins! (34) I have SAD, and my fatigue always starts getting better when DST begins.
Hoping those 56 and 193 days go by quickly for you, and that the treatment puts you in the C-free club!
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Oh yes, daylight savings, that’s another good one to anticipate. I think most people are happier during DST.
Here’s hoping I’ll forever be in the C-free club. Thanks for visiting.
Patricia
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Hi. Counting the days until Spring begins. Can’t take winter no more. Hope everything goes well for you. Don’t ever lose hope. Sending healing your way. Love&Light.
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Spring? That’s a nice thought. The stupid groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter. Bah humbug, I say. I’m tired of the cold as well.
Thanks for the positive vibes and healing. It’s so nice to know there’s folks out there cheering me on.
Patricia
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I start counting the days in October because I can’t wait for January when the days start getting longer. Once we’re into Jan, I’m smiling again.
Sending you hugs and healing thoughts!
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Well, I’m glad you’re smiling again. Those winter months can be dreary and long. I’m not fond of the cold so sunshine always makes me smile, even if it’s deceivingly not warm outside, I still look at the sun and think – warm.
Thanks for the hugs and healing thoughts. I so appreciate them. It feels like it’s taking forever, but I know the end is coming.
Patricia
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Totally get it! I count the days, but I am better making the days count. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and praying that while you are counting down to the day when you won’t be injected, inspected….. and all other sorts of medical things that the time has really counted. It’s colder than you could imagine up north and I hope you are staying warm. Peace and may the force be with you!
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Thanks Clay. I need the force now more than ever. These days seem to be dragging on forever. I know there’s an end in sight, but man, it feels like it’s far, far away. At least I’m confident that all the bad stuff is being purged from my body. And spring is eventually coming as well, even if we’ve got to wait another 6 weeks, it’s coming. I know it’s been terribly cold up in your neck of the woods.
Stay warm. Keep making the days count. I appreciate you.
Patricia
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