Two nights ago, while I was measuring and mixing punch ingredients for a baby shower, I started thinking about due dates. I’ll admit I got a little carried away because, before I knew it, I was categorizing due dates. How strange is that? Anyway, here’s what I came up with. See what you think!
Joyful due dates, like a baby’s due date, are the best! (That’s where I started.) I have a category of dreaded due dates too. For me, these dates involve making payments of some type. I could do without these! Then there are stressful due dates. I think of these as the “oh-my-gosh-I’ll-never-get-that-done-on-time” due dates. I’m sure you know exactly what I’m talking about, but I’m not sure the category name is correct. These due dates are stressful, but they are usually followed by relief, euphoria, or both. Maybe “stressphoria” due dates is a better name! My last category is annoying due dates, such as the date a car is due for an oil change. I usually don’t sweat these due dates too much; however, I’ve learned it’s best to meet them. (There’s a story here, but I’ll save it for another day.)
Until I started thinking about it, I had no idea there were so many different types of due dates! Thank goodness the punch recipe I was using was a simple one. The punch turned out, and I spent the following afternoon helping first-time parents celebrate a most joyful due date! How cool is that?
Happily,
Diane
Thanks for sharing! Now, if I could just look at all of my due dates and deadlines as “joyful” ones, I’d be a happier and more productive person. As you stated, maybe thinking of the joy, relief, euphoria, and personal accomplish that comes upon completion is the starting point. I also think there’s a saying about the “journey” being the greatest part of life too.
Here’s a quote I love that says a lot about how I feel about due dates:
“I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” – Douglas Adams
Can’t you just feel the wind in your hair?!