When is the last time you celebrated or rewarded yourself for meeting a small goal, let alone a big one or even just because?

Like many of us, I get busy with the day-to-day routine and time slips by. I’ll celebrate ‘later’ but then ‘later’ doesn’t happen and the moment is forgotten.

However, sometimes the smallest milestones can be the most meaningful. And little treats bring joy, are a form of self-care and remind me to celebrate ‘me.’

Three small rewards…Three big celebratory joys 

Ice cream, of course!

I recently finished the first draft of book 2 in my Jen Gilroy Strawberry Pond series for Harlequin Heartwarming and celebrated it at a local ice cream shop.

While I could have had ice cream at home, it was special to treat myself while sitting in the spring sunshine and watching the world go by.

A new mug…just because

While Tech Guy would disagree, I am firmly of the opinion that there is no such thing as too many mugs for tea and other beverages.

When I spotted this Anne of Green Gables mug at a nearby thrift store (charity shop) last weekend, it went into my shopping basket faster than I could say ‘kindred spirit.’

Since it’s not dishwasher safe, I’ll use it on my desk to hold pens rather than drink out of. That way, I’ll have the daily joy of remembering both a favourite book and Canadian author who inspires me.

Stationery…Notebooks, pens and sticky notes

These small and joyful rewards are also useful and a business expense, so I count them as a ‘win’ on multiple fronts.

Plus, they’re fun and who doesn’t need more fun in their life?

Whether it’s a favourite meal, relaxing bath, taking time for a hobby or sitting back and enjoying cloud patterns (which I did for a happy half hour on a recent warm day), the celebratory joy of small rewards is good for the soul.

For U.S. readers…Treat yourself or a romance reader friend 

I’ve just spotted two, Amazon Kindle series starter deals on Montana Reunion & A Family for the Rodeo Cowboy (books 1 & 2 in my Montana Carters sweet contemporary western romance series for Harlequin Heartwarming).

You need to be quick because I don’t know how long this sale, a massive discount, will last.

Get Montana Reunion for U.S. $0.50 here.

Get A Family for the Rodeo Cowboy for U.S. $1.49 here.