2016 Review Part 2 of 8

11/17/2016

As a psychotherapist I always said I never wanted to have a private practice, it felt like too much responsibility to me. I knew where I was wasn’t working for me though, and I took a leap. And with a lot of help and support, I founded my own business, Daring Discoveries, PLLC. But first it was Daring Discoveries, LLC until I realized I couldn’t do that legally since I am a licensed professional (thus the P stands for Professional), that wasn’t a scary moment or anything. But that’s why we are not alone and have friends and a dear colleague Leah McCoy directed me to a resource who was able to walk me through the paperwork to change my legal status so I didn’t have to scrap my business before I even started.

It was also very Daring for me to accept help from my Church Ecclesia Clear Lake. They offered me space to see clients with no strings attached, but honestly, it scared me to say yes. What if they changed their minds, what if I bothered people, what would I do if it didn’t work out. I said yes, and I’m so grateful for their support and I also know and trust myself and God to figure out what to do next if that is ever not an option. I don’t have to have all the fall through plans worked out, I can figure out things if and when they arise.

I'm thankful they are a distant memory now, but I still remember the many days and nights of feeling overwhelmed and not knowing what was the right way to do things. It was exhausting time creating a website, paperwork, etc., and often my spouse wouldn't feel like he left his work because I would need him to help review my words, set-ups, and choices when he got home. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to just breathe and know that creating from scratch is going to take a while and to approach things from a fun learning angle instead of drudgery and fear.

The fact that I made the above silly and playful business card holder, though, illustrates that I am finding balance. I don't want to be President Business from The LEGO® Movie. I want my work to feel like play. Creating art is what gave me the courage and confidence and self-love to even be in the position to create a business, so of course I didn't stop creating in 2016.

Stay tuned for Part 3 next week!

*If you missed Part 1 you can check it out here and if you want to know more about why I'm doing an annual review and especially why I'm sharing it read my recent blog post about it thanks to Cynthia Morris.