“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jr 29:11)

This month marks the two-year anniversary of my journey as a full-time professional writer and editor. Last year at this time, I looked back on the lessons I’d learned my first year. Now, I’ll examine the lessons I’ve learned in year two.

1. Every job I’ve ever had is preparing me for the future.

Straight out of college, I worked as a secretary for a sub-government entity. The job was a far cry from my dream of being a writer, but my English degree garnered me several promotions and the opportunity to use my writing skills for the organization. I wrote press releases, grants, annual reports, brochures – you name it, I probably wrote it. I had the opportunity to improve my writing skills each day, and now I use that experience to write those same types of documents for my clients.

2. Be flexible, but maintain boundaries.

I’ve learned to be flexible when current clients drop new jobs in my lap. I work hard to meet their deadlines. But I’ve also learned when to say no. If potential clients give me unrealistic deadlines, I’m more likely to tell them I can’t take the job than I would have been a year ago.

3. Take breaks.

I’m terrible at making myself take breaks. I sit too long before moving around. I work almost every day so that I can meet deadlines. I’m learning to ease up a bit and allow myself some time off. Sometimes, I take a trip to the bookstore to admire all the new books and discover what’s on the bestseller list. One evening, I met friends at the art museum to see the latest traveling exhibit. Several times a week, I meet a friend to walk and catch up on the events of the day. I’ve learned these breaks refresh my mind and help me bring fresh energy to my tasks.

4. Celebrate!

This is similar to taking a break, but it’s more specific. I’ve learned that when I accomplish a great feat, such as a book release or completing a big project for a client, I need to take time out to celebrate. This need inspired me to ask my friends to meet with me back in January for coffee – just a few hours out of our weekend for each of us to talk about the good things in our lives. It was so popular that one friend suggested we do it monthly, and it’s become a standing date.

5. Learn your definition of success.

When I quit my job at a great nonprofit agency two years ago to pursue my dream of writing full time, my goal was to make my savings last a year. If I made it a year, I would re-evaluate and see if I had the means to make it another year. God has been faithful in providing enough work to get me from that point until now, two years later. There have been lean months, for sure. But every month that I’m able to pay my bills from my income and not from my savings is another month that I can continue pursuing this crazy dream. By my own definition, I’m successful even if my business dries up and goes away tomorrow. I’ve published four devotionals and am working on a new mystery series. How many people can say that?

Dear Jesus, thank you for allowing me to pursue my dream of writing and all of the family and friends who have helped me along the way. Thank you for two successful years. I pray that I will always honor you with the business decisions I make. Amen.