It’s the two-years-to-go milestone.
November 29th, 2009 by John MorrisMaybe you missed the hint in the title, but it’s my birthday. This means I am a scant two years from the countdown’s date and my 66th birthday.
My life changes for the better as these years pass by. My wife and the children are all doing well and are happy doing it. As for me, I’m chugging along nicely. The home renovations are nearly complete – only the kitchen remains. I’m balancing the renovations with working part time. Perhaps next year, I’ll get a census gig counting noses or some other such thing.
The countdown itself has changed in temperament. While I was working, I’d find solace during stressful times by using “11 29 11” as a mantra. At times, it was like I was the ball in a pinball machine, but the ride was always worth  it.
Now my countdown metaphor is more like a hay wagon ambling down a dirt road. I know it’ll get there but the directions may change. I can live with that.
In exactly one year, I will celebrate this day with the uplifting phrase, “One year to go!”
P.S.: Since success is a journey not a destination, I’m finding loads of joy in my countdown years. I’m not making a mistake wishing my life to be different or to be two years older.