I belong to a writing site: writing.com. I’ve met some of the most amazing people there, including pretty much all of my cp’s. I discovered it about three and a half years ago, and posted what I thought at the time was the best writing in all of history.

And was quickly – but politely – put in my place. I’ve learned so much since then about writing and about friendship. I still post my stories there, participate in member-run contests, all sorts of fun stuff.

But now that I’m ‘all growed up’ and doing things like querying, having short stories published, all that stuff, sometimes I forget what it was like ‘back then’. When I was just starting to learn (not that I’m done now, I just like to think I’m further along in the process).

I have one friend who reads my work and isn’t a member of the site. Or any writing site as far as I know. If he is, he’s not coming clean with me. I sent him a link to a couple of stories I have stored online. One of his comments after reading was “did I see right, this won a contest?”

My initial instinct was to brush it off. I mean, sure, it won. But there wasn’t a lot of competition. It doesn’t show up in any publications. I only wrote the story in a week. All sorts of reasons that win didn’t mean anything. Except when I stopped and thought about it, it still did. It still does. It means someone read that story and liked it enough to place a ribbon (literal or metaphorical) on it.

I used to cherish every single contest win. I loved seeing my stories place. And it took an outside view to remind me of that.

So that’s my reminder for everyone who has grown and learned in what they do – whether it’s writing, or work, or anything else. It doesn’t matter if it’s not as difficult for you as it used to be. Maybe you can do it with your eyes closed now, and it’s easier than sneezing.

But it hasn’t always been. Whether it’s creating spreadsheet templates, or writing fantasy short stories, or playing Wii with the kids and letting them win even though it’s harder to do than just whooping them and walking away – you weren’t born with that knowledge. You had to learn it. Be proud of that. Celebrate it. Share it. Bask in it.

And remember how far you’ve come when that next rejection comes in. You’ve made it this far, you can make it even further. Life is about growth, and you’ve excelled already by embracing that. Continue to do so ^_^

What’s your latest accomplishment – writing related or otherwise? Brag about it. Don’t tell yourself it’s not good enough – it is and we want to celebrate with you ^_^

Embrace every victory. Don’t tell yourself you didn’t earn it.