“Celebrate what you want to see more of.”
~Thomas J. Peters, American writer
Yesterday was a day of celebration for me as I held the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of my debut novel, Wish You Were Here.
I did my version of the writer’s “happy dance” around my house (several times) and shared hugs and laughter with my family. And, yes, I posted about the surreal moment on Facebook and Twitter.
And then I sat back and savored every “Like” and direct message and comment.
Suddenly, the celebration wasn’t about me. It became all about the almost tangible embrace of those friends celebrating me across the Internet.
When I found the quote about celebrating “what you want to see more of” my thought was: Well, sure, I’d love to hold other ARCs in the future.
But even more than that … I want to be the kind of person who celebrates my friends’ and family’s lives.
That’s what I want to celebrate even more … the beautiful expression of love when others celebrate with you.
In Your Words: Was there a time in your life when others joined in your celebration of a special dream come true moment or an accomplishment? I’d love to have you share it. When someone shares their “Wow!” moment with you, how do you celebrate them?
Comments 18
Beth, it was so fun to cyber dance and celebrate with you yesterday! I agree wholeheartedly about celebrating uproariously when family/friends share wonderful news. I just make sure the celebration remains about them!
And the celebrating continues … and I’m still smiling! :O) Thank you, Donna!!
That had to feel good to hold in your hands?! So excited for YOU!
And yes, it felt wonderful to call dear friends about my agent news a few months ago. They rooted me on the whole way.
~ Wendy
It did feel good … and the ARC sits on my desk in front of me even now.
Celebrating with others, though–still the best part of the whole experience.
The best part.
And I remember sharing your excitement too … 🙂
Woo-hoo, Beth! I didn’t make to fb yesterday, so I didn’t know! I’m celebrating with you!!!
Some of our biggest reasons to celebrate came in the form of phone calls letting us know we’d been selected to adopt two precious babies (17 months apart). People came around us in various ways to celebrate what God had given us.
I find that celebrating others takes various forms, depending on circumstance, the person and where the person lives. Soooo happy for you!
I’m celebrating that we get to do life together, Jeanne! :O)
Absolutely, Brill, absolutely! :O)
Haven’t been on Facebook for a while. Can I hold it and dance with you?
First of all, YAAAAYYY for the ARC. Are you allowed to take a picture of it and post? Ooh, or take a video of your happy dancing… 🙂 So excited for you, Beth! So. Excited!!
Yes, family/friends have definitely celebrated with me and I LOVE celebrating with and for family/friends. One of my favorite “celebration” memories was the “Welcome Home” party my extended family threw for me when I returned from London in 2003. They were celebrating my return–and so was I. But I was also struggling with a let-down feeling, already missing British friends and, yeah, jet lag was totally messing with me. At one point, when showing photos, I burst into tears. Very unusual for me. And for like 10 seconds no one knew what to do. But my mom hugged me, I transitioned into laughing/snorting/still crying and now we look back on that party with giggles. It’s a weird “celebration” to remember, but I think even in those tears, I was celebrating the awesomeness of the previous months, the friends made, the spiritual impact of those months abroad…and the amazing love showered on me by my family.
🙂
I totally get your reaction to coming home from London and missing your British friends, Melissa.
Here’s why: My daughter, Katie Beth, spent several weeks at my sister Theresa’s house when she was 13. When she came home I was a happy, happy mom. But as we drove away from the airport, I realize she’d turn her face away from me and was sniffling … she was crying because she missed her Aunt Theresa (they have a special, close bond) and the rest of the family. But she didn’t want to hurt my feelings.
I told her it was OK to be sad–she had a wonderful time!!
Some celebrations are bittersweet … happy and sad are mixed together!!
Absolutely a cause to celebrate, so glad for you, & Wish We Were There too to have a big dance party. So proud of you, too! Well-deserved, and much more to come.
🙂
See, this is one of the reasons I love the Internet … it allows for us to connect in ways we couldn’t in years past!
Big celebrations….getting the news that we were approved to adopt each of the girls. Engagement & marriage. Moving to CO. Volleyball season is almost over. (I LOVE watching the girls play but, as you know very well, the 6:30 am and after school practices and the girls’ games usually being at the same time in two different locations, etc. wears on you. And…. celebrating others, birthdays, weddings, books being published (Hurray!), new career ventures, etc. are what makes life grand!
Celebrating the big and small things … good point, Sonia!!
Beth, I’m happy dancing with you and can’t wait until you’re able to share a picture of you holding your debut novel in your hands.
Thanks, Keli! You are a natural “celebrator!”
I am so happy for you. Celebrations in my family usually involve food and music. And when I finally graduated from college (long story and many setbacks/detours) we cooked out, played music and even danced.
Congratulations, I’m so happy for you!
Celebrations & food–works for me! And, oh yeah, music? My family loves to dance all over the kitchen!