This time last year, I decided I was going to write my first book, despite the fact I was taking care of a toddler and a newborn baby. My expectations were low for myself, but I knew what I wanted and I even had a good plan about how I was going to do it. Nothing could have prepared me for what would actually happen and let’s just say, rewarding myself as a writer wasn’t something I had put much thought into ahead of time.

My hope had been to write and maybe edit my first book by the end of 2019. Well, here we are, and while I managed to edit one book, I wrote three! More about that here. To say that I’ve shocked myself is a bit of an understatement. And yet, despite that, I’ve done remarkably little to savor those victories.

One of the things they hear time and time again is that it’s important to slow down and take time to celebrate the “wins” in your life. I’ve never been very good at that. I’ve graduated three times between high school and two college degrees and yet, never once did I attend a graduation ceremony. It’s never been my style to put on a big fanfare for myself. Even accepting simple praise from others can be challenging. But this year, about this, things are going to be different.

What’s Changing

Something I’ve been wanting to do all year, and haven’t gotten around to because I always seem to be so dang busy all the time, is to have my husband take me to the local winery, sit by the enormous brick fireplace, and just enjoy the good company and great tasting brew. They have live music at this particular venue which is a nice touch. Will it get me any closer to my goals? Will it inspire me for the next scene that I’m planning to write? Probably not, and you know what? That’s okay, because not everything needs to propel me forward in life. It’s okay to revel, and from this point forward, I’m considering it mandatory.

That being said, not every celebration needs to include a full night out. I’ve complied a list of some of my favorite personal rewards, many of which are free (yay!). If you need a few ideas for yourself, feel welcome to steal some of mine.

How I Reward Myself

• Netflix mini-binge
• An evening playing Skyrim
• Massage
• An old fashioned nap
• Eating out
• A bath bomb (click here to see my favorite)
• A new book that wasn’t free on KU
• Charcuterie (yum!)
• An evening playing Civilization 5
• A walk alone (without the goblins)
• Fresh flowers
• New pajamas
• An afternoon rollerblading
• A trip to the craft store
• Pinterest while listening to Pandora
• Paint by number
• Mani/Pedi