I’ve done it! I hired a web designer and revised the look of my website. I wrote the first draft of 7 Reasons You Don’t Write – And How to Cure Them. And I created an audio preview of Elements of Poker, the upcoming book from my editing client Tommy Angelo. Have a listen at annaparadox.com/eop.

It feels great to step back and look at what I’ve done.

I do have another choice. I could look at all the work I have left to do and feel rotten.

It’s funny how often I’ve made that choice. There have been many times when I have gone from project to project, always driven to complete the next one, without ever stopping to savor what I just completed. And what was the result? I grew tired, felt dreary, and had less and less energy.

Eventually, I lost the drive to start the next project. Why bother? It wouldn’t give me any joy.

It’s a simple, self-destructive feedback system. When I complete a project, and skip the celebration, I feel bad. Then it’s harder to complete the next project. So I feel bad about that too!

I’ve learned to do better. Now I celebrate. Sometimes the celebration is simple. I take a few moments to say to myself, “Yes, that was a success. Well done!” Sometimes the celebration is grand, like indulging in a week with my husband at a luxurious resort. Small projects earn small celebrations, and big projects deserve big celebrations.

I also choose the celebrations that delight me. I really enjoy a leisurely, intimate dinner for two. I’ve had neighbors who celebrated by inviting sixty people to a backyard barbecue. If that feels like a celebration to you, go for it! Your celebrations are whatever brings you joy.

As for me, I’m next going to celebrate by reading a good book.

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Book Recommendation

Bios by Robert Charles Wilson

Isis is the only living planet within range of Earth, and it is deadly. It has a rich ecosystem, older than ours, yet without intelligence — ripe for colonization, if only we could survive
exposure to its air. Zoe Fisher has been genetically engineered as the newest probe. Will her stronger immune system be enough for her to survive when seals and sterilization fail? A tight and suspenseful read.

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Anna Paradox is a life coach who speaks science fiction. Her clients
invest in themselves to achieve their dreams. If you’d like to join
them, call me at 505-640-0979. Or email me at anna@annaparadox.com

Creating Space is her twice-monthly newsletter with tips, insights,
and a book recommendation for science fiction fans and space
activists. You can subscribe at www.annaparadox.com/newsletter, and
read back issues there, too.