Nothing will help you memorialize your successes like joining in the celebration of others’ accomplishments. Doing that not only brings joy to the other person, but reminds you of your own achievements. It also just feels good.
I attended the very first MBT Story Crafter’s Retreat way back in 2009. There, I met the now famed Ponderers. We all came with a dream of being published authors. Through the years, we’ve had lots to celebrate:
Lisa Jordan has two published books: Lakeside Reunion and Lakeside Family.
Beth Vogt has two published books: Wish You Were Here and Catch a Falling Star that just released this week.
Melissa Tagg will release her debut novel, Made to Last in September.
Pat Trainum signed a two book contract with Revell.
Ginger Takamiya won the 2012 Frasier contest.
I published the non-fiction book, Dare to Dream, a Writer’s Journal.
Amy Lindberg gave birth to a beautiful girl.
Jennie Atkins now has agent representation.
Roxanne Sherwood became Roxanne Gray.
Jenness Walker is expecting her first child.
Teri Smith miraculously recovered from a cerebral aneurism on foreign soil.
Delores Topliff has trotted the globe several times.
We all celebrated each accomplishment as if it was our own. We’ve bonded together in a tight knit group of life-long friends. I would fight to my death for my fellow Ponderers.
You should celebrate your own successes, but you should rejoice with those in your circle of friends. In fact, if you hear of something great—or even hopeful—in the lives of your peeps, send them a card or an email. I guarantee you’ll feel better sending it than they will when they receive it.
The Bible teaches us to rejoice with those who rejoice and to mourn with those who mourn. Because I rejoiced with my fellow Ponderers, I feel like I’m the one who accomplished all those wonderful things I mentioned. Well, maybe not the giving birth part, but you get my point.
Celebrate others’ wins and you will be able to call upon them, and your wins, to encourage you in those dark moments when you stare at a blank screen. Reminiscing about those great accomplishments will empower you to fight through the tough battle and put words on the page.
So, celebrate!
Reba J. Hoffman, PhD, is the Member Care Coach at My Book Therapy. She holds a PhD in Clinical Counseling and is the Founder of Magellan Life Coaching. She is the author of Dare to Dream, A Writer’s Journal, published by MBT. Her inspirational writing appears in Running for the Woman’s Soul by Road Runner Sports, and The Good Fight by Donna Hicken. You can connect with her at www.rebajhoffman.com.