Making celebration feel ‘real’

Hi,
I recently completed a big career milestone, which was to submit my book proposal that I’ve been working on over about 6 months! It is a big deal, and I’m very proud of myself. There were so many points where I didn’t think it would be possible. But I have had so many wins along the way, like getting a funded place on a course to help put it together; as well as actively going to events so I could network with agents and making some good connections; expanding my sense of capacity as a writer (now I know I can write a chapter, so I can write a book, so I am an author!); and also going external with it, telling more people about my project, approaching people for advance endorsements, and getting good feedback that’s been validating.
Essentially, I’m aware that there’s a lot to celebrate, no matter what the outcome of sending it is! And I’d like to make sure my brain is seeing that, before any rejections start coming in… That is, I don’t just want to celebrate if I get an agent, but the submission itself. Because it’s been very cool to see what I can do when I set my mind to something and turn an idea into a reality like this.
But, since submitting it earlier this week, I just feel numb. I’ve got other work projects that I have to pick up now. And, I am not sure how to make this celebration feel ‘real’? Everything I’ve listed above are things I know logically but I don’t feel it, if that makes sense.
I’d like to do something physical, like a spa day, for example, to treat myself and see it that will register more! But don’t have space in my schedule for that just yet.
I’m probably also exhausted and maybe need some time to process, too…
Do you have any tips on leaning into that celebration?
Thank you

 

Answer:

 

This is so thrilling! Congratulations!

That numb feeling is why it’s important to celebrate – so often we can get to the achievement without the celebration because of that feeling – so let’s examine it. Physical and health circumstances always impact your emotional world – it’s hard to do thought work and feel good when you are physically run down. Where can you start with caring for yourself because you deserve to rest and recover? What thoughts will help you take those kinds of steps?

Secondly, how do you like to celebrate, and be celebrated by and with others? What are some situations in which you have felt seen and celebrated in the past? What can you take from those experiences? Let’s look at this mindset about having no room in the schedule. Where is there room for this experience? Even if you look out several weeks – can you prioritize this now and capitalize on it when the time comes? Why or why not?

You can also celebrate in smaller ways that are just as meaningful – maybe writing yourself a letter of congratulations, inviting over people who want to celebrate with you over dinner or where you all celebrate your wins together (I just did a full brag to my own friends the other day!), buying yourself a bouquet, or having a celebratory dance party in your kitchen. Also…the wins thread in the Facebook community is POPPIN’.

Don’t let this thread go – you deserve to crown this achievement!