Utmost joys of completion

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There are few things that can possibly compete with the incredible joy of finishing writing a book. It's mind boggling the giddiness and light-headedness you feel. Sure, there's the upcoming editing--a joy all it's own, depending on how much you like it--and then publication, but the pure thrill of finishing is pure happiness. I can't imagine it ever gets old, even after hundreds of books. Well, maybe I don't want it to stop, because that means it's turned into a typical event and it's far too special to be typical.

We do a lot of things that take tons of work to complete. My wife makes quilts (often takes years), other people paint portraits and landscapes, some do gardening, sculpting, architecture. Whatever your passion, chances are it isn't immediately finished. So, why do we put so much effort into these things? How important are books and sculptures really? For me, the importance is incalculable.

We spend our lives creating, be it for work or pleasure. Many things get left undone, which is maybe why we find regret such a heartbreaking feeling, and do our very best to avoid it. Right now it's popular to make a "bucket list" of things you want to accomplish. Mostly it's stuff like climbing Mount Everest, or skydiving ... activities that are unusual, or extreme. It's clear we won't stop reaching to accomplish. So, what's on your list? Anything undone that you need to finish? What's stopping you? Get going and feel that thrill of completion!

- M