10 REASONS TO CELEBRATE MILESTONES

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!

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