Keeping it Real at 900

On Friday, July 19, 2024, I hit the 900th day of my writing journey.

Inquiring minds want to know - What did I do to commemorate this significant day? 

I wrote in my journal first thing in the morning, then tweeted/posted about an earlier newsletter on Twitter/X. I helped the family get ready for work and summer camp. During the day, I cleaned the house, tried to clean up the dreaded email box, and made notes for a new story while editing an old poem. In the evening I served dinner, created a meal plan for next week, and watched a few episodes of Sailor Moon with a glass of wine before calling it a night. 

There were no fireworks, clever social media posts, special events, and definitely NO GLITTER. Who invented glitter, anyway? Do you know how difficult it is to clean up glitter? I steer clear of the evil micro-sized shiny bits disguising themselves as “fun times.”

I enjoy reminding others to celebrate wins and milestones of all sizes. Life is short (or so THEY say). We should enjoy every moment as it happens, especially the ones along our creative journey.

I have much to celebrate. Since beginning this creative path over two years ago:

• I pushed through the fears, doubts and labels;

• I discovered many new friendships and communities; 

• I learned how to silence the noise of confusion;

• I have several essays and poems I would have never started if I wasn't on this particular journey. 

Why didn't I make a big deal out of my 900 consecutive days of writing and journaling, as expected for such a milestone? Was it due to ADULTING? Recurring fears of SKYNET? Am I upset about Victor Newman and his moustache attacking Jack Abbot for “helping” his wife Nikki Newman on the Emmy award-winning The Young and the Restless (stop using your children as pawns, Victor!)? 

Is it okay when we don’t make a big deal of every milestone achieved?? 

Absolutely…not.

And it depends.

900 days has a different significance to me now than it would have a year ago. At first, tracking continuous writing days was an easy way to hold myself accountable and see how long the fear of getting started would last. I am pleased that my fears are having a harder time taking hold of my love for writing.

And I have seen firsthand what the power of words can do. It has helped me with not only my fears but with stress and physical healing. It helped others look at themselves from a different perspective. I have been open to new friendships while strengthening current ones… and rekindling old ones, too! I am even more bonded with my cats, even though they love to distract me during the writing process! 

I don't take any of my writing days for granted. I acknowledge every day on this journey in my journal. Each day is a milestone worth celebrating in various ways. This is what living in the present moment does.

2024 has been an “interesting” year. When LIFE tried to throw sucker punches, the power of journaling and writing veered me away to soften the blow. I try to appreciate each day that comes to me, no matter how many punches I try to dodge. 

Shouldn't this be something more important to celebrate?

Despite a few roadblocks and bumps, I am more focused than ever on several writing intentions. I hit certain milestones this year and am grateful to have achieved them, as they all help towards my intentions for 2024. Daily writing, while still important, is no longer a primary goal this year.

At the same time, I believe every milestone and achievement in life is worth celebrating, even if it's a quiet personal acknowledgement.

Maybe I should have taken my advice from last year and celebrated last week (although, who’s to say a bit of Sailor Moon isn’t a party?!?!?). I think I didn't because I was already enjoying each day regardless of the number.

This realization made me remember why I am still on this path. I want to continue living in the present moment. Yes, the past may have sucked and the future is uncertain. It has not impacted my joy for writing. This is something I will always celebrate, even if not publicly.

I will be honest with you; I am still in shock I surpassed 900 writing days. My first 100 days feel like they were yesterday. My commitment to stay on this creative path remains strong. 

I don't feel the same urgency to display every milestone I achieve publicly. And I don't want to allow smaller milestones to distract or persuade me from the bigger achievements ahead.

At the same time, I have many friends, followers, and subscribers wishing me to recognize and celebrate every success. In that case…

I PASSED THE 900-DAY MARK IN MY WRITING JOURNEY!

WHOOP-WHOOP! Cue the fireworks! 

The path continues to provide opportunities and different types of creative fuel. When you choose to enjoy each creative milestone the same way you would enjoy every other moment in your life, you realize the creative path is intertwined with your life’s journey. And that is a beautiful thing worth celebrating. 

Day 1,000 is around the corner. In the meantime, I want to celebrate with you!

You have supported me at various pages and stages along my writing path. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. How do YOU want to celebrate?

My vote is for wine and WAVY LAYS chips. Feel free to bring some confetti. You know where to find me (wink-wink!). NO GLITTER!

Happy celebrating, fellow creatives.

Nadine