B is for… Bravo!

Contributed by Tina Holland.

We’re so good at pushing forward—chasing the next goal, starting the next project—that we forget to acknowledge what we’ve already done.

Recently, I published How to Love a Lord, and instead of enjoying it, I jumped straight into the next book… and started a short story. (To be fair, that short story is due this month—but still.) I should have savored that soft release a little more.

Instead, everything started to feel rushed—finessing the paperback, juggling deadlines, moving on too quickly.

Truthfully? I need to pause long enough to congratulate myself.

Because this is what I usually do:

For every 1,000 words? I get a sticker.
Yes, really—and it’s become such a thing that I now buy stickers before I even start the book.

Every 5,000 words, I level up the reward:

• Flowers
• A bookstore trip
• A small online splurge (I match dollars to word count—$30 for 30K)

And when the book finally goes up for preorder? That calls for a proper celebration. I usually convince my dear husband to take me out to dinner—anything from fancy to a cozy night in where he cooks.

It’s a little like turning writing into a game… and honestly? It works.

Now I just need to apply that same energy to the rest of my life. (Imagine folding laundry for points. Revolutionary.)

So here’s your moment:

Bravo.
 For showing up.
For creating.
For growing—even in ways no one else can see.

What have you accomplished lately? And how are you celebrating it?