TEN YEARS. This month marks 10 years since my very first book was published. 10 years that I’ve been an actual author. It’s been an unpredictable whirlwind of 8 books, a handful of anthologies, and several hundred articles, stories, and Bible devotions published—what a decade! But why should we take time to celebrate milestones? Isn’t it rather haughty? 🙃 Allow me to share 10 reasons why we should ALL celebrate milestones…
April 2012. Goodness, I was naïve. I can honestly say, hand on heart, that I knew nothing about publishing, platforms, marketing, or anything other than writing a story. Since then, I’ve been cut down to size by rejections, plumped up again with acceptances, taken courses, given presentations, meandered through genres, and achieved certification as a writing coach. It’s been frustrating, fantastic, and everything in between.
But right now, I’m taking a moment to celebrate.
I still have many writing dreams to chase and I still have much to learn in the process, but it’s important for me—and for you—to pause and party. Okay, this introvert will maybe go for a quiet dinner with her husband, but you get my drift.
Take a moment.
Enjoy it.
It’s not arrogant or egotistical. Because it’s not only about you, it’s a beautiful opportunity to shower others with praise and encouragement. It’s time to acknowledge family, friends, peers, mentors… and God Himself:
“I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders.” Psalm 9:1
Writer, mommy, businesswoman, student, grandma, entrepreneur, homemaker, caregiver, creative, manager, volunteer, speaker, worker, friend—
Here are 10 reasons to celebrate milestones:
- Gratitude to God will draw us closer to Him as we see Him at work in our lives
- Joy is so good for our brains and bodies—this is a joy-filled celebration!
- Thanks to readers or recipients—appreciation will make them feel part of the journey
- Encourage fellow writers/ peers with your story of achievement
- Reflect on your accomplishment to see how much you’ve grown
- Feasting and marking a milestone with special food and special people is always a good idea!
- Motivate yourself to take the next step by embracing this success, however small
- Shout out to those who helped you get here, either publicly or privately
- Rest, slow down, pause—and notice what you may have missed along the way
- Dream again, and keep dreaming because:
“You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis
Dear one, you don’t have to wait for a “monumental milestone” to celebrate. Recognize the small steps, the tiny goals, the meaningful moments, along the way.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. Or loud. Or expensive.
It just needs to be recognized.
Point to Jesus, point to mentors, point to family members, just make a point of celebrating your milestones, friend—the mega and the minute.
🎈 GIVEAWAY: ***UPDATE: Congratulations to our winner, Debbie! ***
We want to celebrate with you, too. An itsy-bitsy step or an astronomic achievement, would you share in the comments below? I’ll draw a name at the end of the month and the winner can choose a signed paperback copy of any one of my books. I’ll throw in some bookish swag! 🙂
Finally, thank YOU for being a reader, and for joining me on my journey. Truly, I’m blessed and humbled by anyone who takes the time to read my words… and I’ll keep you posted on my upcoming books because I’m excited to see what God is going to do in the next 10 years!
P.S. Are you subscribed to my monthly newsletter? We celebrate all things books and loveliness with reading recommendations, baking recipes, soul encouragement, and always a book giveaway! Sign up HERE and receive your choice of freebie!
Linking up with some fabulous encouragers! Check them out:
INSPIRE ME MONDAY; TELL HIS STORY; TUNE IN THURSDAY; LET’S HAVE COFFEE;
I finally joined weight watchers again! In the past two weeks I’ve lost 8 pounds. I was so unhappy with myself. Baby steps! But I’m taking stock! I have a long way to go but I’m happy to have started this journey
Hi Sandie— oh, well done! So proud of you for taking positive steps… and we are cheering you on! 🤗 You’ve been entered into the giveaway!
Congrats on your 10th anniversary
Thanks so much, Sandie!
Congratulations Laura from your Number One Fan!
Awww… thanks so much, honey! I love my Number One Fan! ❤️
I was able to get a volunteer position with a non profit. The position is for me to encourage others on their Facebook page. It is something that I can do since I am disabled. God bless you.
Hi Debbie, and congratulations on your new position! What a joy to be able to encourage others… I know you will be such a blessing. 🤗 Thanks for sharing… you’ve been entered into the giveaway!
An Astronomic achievement I’ve done is: that I’ve written a book box set just to see if I could write and now I’m writing a mystery, romance, bully book with multiple settings and I’ve got the book almost complete. I may write for fun but I hope to publish someday.
Hi Crystal, my goodness— congratulations on all your writing! I know how much hard work and commitment that takes. 🤗 We are cheering you on. You’ve been entered into the giveaway!
Congrats Laura!! You are indeed an inspiration 😊
Thanks so much, Kim! That’s so kind of you. 🤗 You are entered into the giveaway!
Congratulations, Laura! And thank you for encouraging each of us to celebrate every small step for each one counts towards getting us to the our goal!
Hi Joanne, thanks very much! 🤗 And yes to celebrating the small stuff, too! You’ve been entered into the giveaway!
Congratulations, Laura. Wow. What a wonderful milestone!
Thanks so much, Ashley— I can’t believe how quickly time has flown! 🤗 You’ve been entered into the giveaway!