I was trying to think of reasons to postpone my three-month labs (tumor markers and such) as well as a one-year post mastectomy chest x-ray recommended by my oncology surgeon. It isn't that I am afraid of needles or dislike x-rays. Throughout diagnosis and treatment, I grew to dislike the waiting . . . and the . . . waiting . . . and in some cases, the results. I could use the excuse of business travel, or *cough* a mysterious flu, or oops! is it that time already? can I reschedule? In reality, postponing it only postpones reality and if I have learned nothing else, I have learned there is no escape from reality.

I just dislike the big milestones . . . every three months, every six months, once a year. It feels like I get a mini life lease for three months that will hopefully be renewed at the end of the term. I get so focused on the next tests that I forget to enjoy the actual time in-between. Just as I was sorting through these feelings, I received my Daily OM email. Sometimes these emails are messages I need to hear and other times not. Amazingly, this was one I needed to hear and I can't say it any better myself . With complete credit to Daily OM, I am reposting it here (emphasis added). Enjoy.

The Joy Of Being
Celebrating The In-Between Times

While celebrations are intended to honor life's more momentous occasions, much of real life tends to happen during the in-between times. While moving from one moment in time to the next is seldom considered a significant occurrence, it is during those in-between times that we are most in tune with life's most profound, albeit simple joys. Between birth and death, triumph and sorrow, beginnings and endings, we enjoy innumerable experiences that often happen unnoticed. These times are just as worthy of celebration.

The in-between times are seldom about landmark moments. How you choose to celebrate them or which moments you choose to celebrate is up to you. You may want to celebrate the simple facts that you are alive and that every day is a chance to spend time with the people you care about or do the work that you love. Then again, when you look at the good that exists in your life, many reasons for celebrating the in-between times may become clear: a cup of your favorite tea, a beautiful sunrise, a good book, and the smell of fresh air can be reasons for celebration.

Celebrating the in-between times can be as easy as paying special attention to them when they do happen, rather than taking them for granted. It's your focus of attention that can turn an in-between time into a celebration. You can also pay homage to the in-between times by slowing down and allowing yourself time to look around and allow your heart and mind to take in all of your life's wonders. Far too often, we can let those simple moments of awe pass us by. The in-between times are when life happens to us between the pauses that we take to honor our milestones occasions. Without the in-between times, there would be no big moments to celebrate.