In Others’ Words: Anticipation

“Never forget that anticipation is an important part of life. Work’s important, family’s important, but without excitement, you have nothing. You’re cheating yourself if you refuse to enjoy what’s coming.” ~Nicholas Sparks, Three Weeks with My Brother

 

Tomorrow all the anticipation comes to an end.

On Tuesday, May 1, my debut novel Wish You Were Here hits the shelves for real.

Yes, there will be other things to anticipate:

connecting with readers
celebrating with my family and friends at my launch party on May 5
moving on to the edits of book 2 (Catch a Falling Star)
brainstorming book 3

But this feeling of anticipation … ah, it’s one of a kind. Never to be repeated.

As I counted down to this day, have I always enjoyed the “oh my gosh, here it comes!” feeling? Nope. At times I let anxiety taint my anticipation, turning it an ugly shade of worry laced with fear and doubt.

As Nicholas Sparks said, I cheated myself.

Has getting to this day been easy?

No.

Will tomorrow be easy?

Maybe. Maybe not.

But I can choose to forgo anticipation, to say no to the thrill of a dream come true.

Or I can admit that dreams are often stained with sweat and tears, but that those things don’t mar their beauty.

Nope. The sweat and tears? They make the anticipation of that dream come true day all the sweeter.

In Your Words: If you had a countdown clock on your table, what would it be counting down to? What’s ahead in your life that you’re excited about?