September 24, I began blogging without a clear goal. Yes, there were murky thoughts of completing a book. But that was all in “SOMEDAY” status. Nothing was visualized as a memory before it even happened. Each morning, I’d look up stats for my blog and remember squealing when I had ten readers from the preceding 24 hours. There was only one constant. I wrote, every day, inching along with the excitement provided by those first few readers.
Slowly, the readers and number of reads increased. I remember the excitement I felt when I reached 50 readers and 100 reads. It was an amazing feeling. But, it didn’t meet a set goal. An un-aimed arrow always hits its target, they say. My arrow sailed gracefully hitting a perfect bullseye into thin air.
After a few months, with the realization that my numbers continued to grow, I set a few goals and upon reaching them, said a little “Ya-Hooooo”. I continued writing.
This morning, my past readers number over 5,000. My total reads are over 11,000. Not shattering in the world of the internet, by any means. My past readers come from more than 48 countries and 29 states. I average 100 readers in a 24 hour period. It’s time to set some new goals, so I know when to plant my flags. One goal is to have readers in all 50 states. Slowly, I march toward that mountain top.
When journeying through life, goals help us move along, rather like a tow strap. I can’t imagine not having daily, weekly, monthly, and annual goals, monitoring them for needed adjustments. It’s just the way I roll best.
Thinking about the future, it was suggested that I consider the point in which I will embrace the fact that I’m a published author. The blog is one milestone along the way. But, when I close my eyes at night, I don’t feel I am a true writer, yet. So, what will it be? The first day my book is advertised on Amazon? My first sale? My first book signing? When I have my first book available in hardback, e-book, and audio versions? Those are all flag plantings I need to decide upon. Until I do, I won’t know where to plant my flags, and they’re pretty heavy to carry along.
I plan to celebrate when I reach these pointy peaks in my writing life, envisioning a shiny sports car with the license plate “PAGES” proudly displayed. I see it. But, the real prize will be when I reach all the things listed above, and have multiple books in print.
This last year, goals have helped me get through some pretty tough days in the wilderness of widowhood. During April, 2020, I listed hourly accomplishments while struggling to breathe. There were so many things needing to be done as I readied Oliver and I for our big move. I’d make a list of three things. When they were completed, I’d list three more. Without tiny goals, I wouldn’t have had things ready for the moving truck.
Tiny accomplishments grew into bigger ones over the last eleven months. Journal-ing along the way left a bread crumb tale of memories. What a unique year it has been. One that none of us could have predicted, packing punches delivered one after the other. Each time the knock down blow was delivered, we all regrouped and stood tall again. Here we are on the brink of returning to some sort of normal. Bruised, but standing.
I have a big flag to run up the pole on April 8th. One year will have past since I lost VST. During that year, the trails have been treacherous. Some days, the winds, rain, and snow have been blinding. Sand storms have caused me to hunker down until they ceased. Each storm left me stronger and more determined to move forward. That’s the point right? Don’t get stuck in the mud. I find these last few days are more harrowing than all the rest combined. No one can warn a grieving gardener about that for it’s an experience all its own, individual and unique to each person.
My flag is huge, and reads “An Appeal to Heaven“. We can all hope for someone to show us the way, following leaders. We can try things we’ve heard online that might be helpful during a crisis. We can wait for stimulus checks, and new laws to lead us in the direction of someone else’s choosing. But, when all else fails, and hopefully before that, An Appeal to Heaven will show the way.
Pick milestones along your journey and remember to plant your flags. You need them flying high as a celebration of your accomplishments, and a sign to others behind you that things will get better with time.