“Why do I Have to Count 'Stuff'?”

 

25 September 2005

 

 

 

 

I have this weird syndrome where I count stuff and I can’t help myself, I just have to do it. I load the refrigerator with sodas and I am counting, 1, 2, 3, and so on, counting the cans. If I take a pee, I am counting, 1, 2, 3 and so one, counting the seconds. What is the name for the syndrome I have? Does anyone else have it? Is it some weird measurement program running in my head? Is it a missing “screw” somewhere in my head that lets this counting business take over when there is nothing else to focus, concentrate on? I only do it when I am doing some simple-minded task. Is it some “filler” so my mind will not to be inactive?

 

I know that if you take a person, any person and isolate them from any form of stimulus, that it will not be long before the mind begins to “see” things, “invent” things, as the mind abhors the lack of stimulation. Is my counting some counter to being empty headed?

 

I can stop the counting business if I try but I have to make a conscious effort to think about something else and then if I do this, I can make a mistake in whatever I am doing and place a soda can upside down in the refrigerator or miss the toilet.

 

I know, I know, in the end, what does it matter that I do this? Nothing really, just a strange phenomena of my head and I wonder if I am alone having this syndrome.