So, my fellow WOW! bloggers have already written some terrific posts about goal setting for 2018 and looking back at 2017 . You may remember from past years that I believe in the ONE WORD approach to the year. This means, that instead of making a bunch of specific goals and resolutions that you probably won't keep, you stick to a one-word theme throughout the year. My word this year is calm, which I blogged about over on my personal blog.
So what in the world is this post going to be about then if everyone has already covered the most important topics for the new year? HA! Good question! But I decided today is going to be about CELEBRATING!
Don't roll your eyes if you celebrated a little too much last night because you can still celebrate today, and you should. You should celebrate yourself, your writing, your accomplishments, your dreams, and even your failures. As someone wiser than me, Winston Churchill, said, "Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." And what can show your enthusiasm more than celebrating?
How will you celebrate today? I think that really depends on you. Some people think celebrating is taking a hot bath. Others think wine and chocolate. Still others, like my seven year old, want a dance party and balloons. It doesn't matter how you celebrate, but just do it. And while you are in the middle of that activity, think about what you have to celebrate!
For me: I met all my WOW! blogging and editing deadlines for 2017! I also kept my personal blog going another year. I added testimonials to the Editor 911 site and worked on the design. I continued meeting with my critique group. I finally found an angle for that novel I've been playing around with that makes me feel excited to keep writing it. I made it to a writing conference. I managed to send out a few newsletters and to keep tweeting and posting to Facebook. In the middle of my daily life as a single parent with aging parents and a full-time job, these accomplishments are all cause for celebration!
Today, I'm choosing to celebrate by taking time out to go to a good friend's house this morning with my daughter for a champagne breakfast and to watch the LHS marching band in the parade!
Happy New Year to you! How will you celebrate your success?
LHS Band photo above by the Seekers ( courtesy of Facebook)
Balloon photo above by alibree on Flickr.com
Margo--I hope you dress up in lots of layers, to celebrate your many successes (and to ward off the chilly air).
ReplyDeleteI bow down to you. I know if I had a child at home, I wouldn't be writing at all. I wouldn't have the energy. It was only after my kids were long gone before I started writing seriously.
Meeting all your deadlines and keeping all those writing plates spinning at the same time? That IS cause to celebrate.
I hope 2018 is a wonderful one for you, Margo, both personally and professionally.
Thanks Sioux! You are such a great cheerleader to us all. And your kindness and compassion come through the keyboard every day. Happy New Year to you! I look so forward to reading more of your writing!
ReplyDeleteWoo-hoo! I knew you could do it! Writing as a single Mom is no easy task but you have the drive. I don't think I could have started writing with a kiddo home, but I started before he was born so I already identified as a writer. I think that's a big part of it - identity. So that's what I'll be celebrating today. In a warm place. When we looked at the thermometer it was between -10 and 0.
ReplyDelete--SueBE
Woot! Margo, you are an inspiration. You rocked it in 2017! Thank you for all you do. I doubt I could manage writing, editing, blogging, coaching, social media managing and more as a single mom with a full time job. I'm excited to hear you're working on a new novel, too.
ReplyDeleteI really like your word of the year: calm. I think I accomplished more in 2017 writing-wise than other years, so I will probably celebrate with a hot bath and a Lush bath bomb, dark chocolate, and maybe play a little Tomb Raider since I'm laid up from the surgery and can't adventure outdoors, and TR is more exciting anyway. :D
Happy New Year, love! It sounds like you're starting it off the right way with the champagne breakfast. :) I hope 2018 is an amazing and joyous year for you, Margo! xoxo
Sounds like you rocked 2017, Margo! I expect much of the same in 2018! I was looking back this weekend after Sioux's most recent post and realized I had much to celebrate about.I started a new job this year and wrote my butt off with blog posts and articles, and now I need to keep that momentum going with tackling more fiction! A short workout, hot bath and wine sounds like a fine way to do that.
ReplyDeleteHello Margo, I wish you a very happy new year. Just came across this website and It's great. I improved and invested in myself as a writer in 2017 and i know 2018 will be better. Also look forward to contributing this site too. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of celebrating our accomplishments, because sometimes we just let them slip by without the recognition they deserve. Thanks for the reminder, Margo!
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