Today has been full of reflection and gratitude—it’s my 5-year business-versary!

Five years ago, I took a leap and decided to build my own practice. Back then, I called it “The Experiment” because I was living abroad, working part-time, and trying to keep the pressure low. Honestly? I wasn’t sure if it would work.

And wow… what a ride it has been.

I’ve learned SO much—through mistakes, dead ends, and a whole lot of trial and error. Friends and colleagues have often asked me about the journey, so I thought sharing some reflections might be both helpful and validating.

I remember one particular moment: sitting on the phone with my mom, crying. I was full of fear and anxiety, asking her, “Can I REALLY do this?” She reminded me gently (and firmly) that I’ve already done so many hard things, and this was just another step. Throughout the years, I’ve had people reflect my own words back to me: “If nothing else, it will be a grand lesson.” I laugh—and cringe—when my own words are used against me. But I also love it. Accountability is one of my love languages.

So, here are some of the biggest lessons these past 5 years have taught me:

• I couldn’t do it the way others did. I had to carve out my own way.

• Alignment matters. Sometimes people thought I was NUTS, but I had to trust what felt right for me.

• Outsourcing is survival. Bookkeeping, web development, marketing—trying to do it all myself was not sustainable.

• Perfection is a myth. Waiting until something is “perfect” only stalls growth. Putting imperfect things into the world has actually attracted the clients who are the best fit for me.

• Mistakes cost money—but they’re also teachers. Don’t sit on paperwork. Trust me.

• Business is messy. It’s not neat or linear, and that’s okay.

• Going solo doesn’t mean going alone. Support, motivation, and community are essential.

I learned I needed community support to make the hard things a little easier.

I remember sitting for HOURS trying to write copy for my own website. It was miserable—I cried, I got mad, and more than once I thought, “Maybe I should just quit.” I knew it could be done, but writing about myself when the topic felt so deeply personal? Not my strength.

Eventually, I hired a copywriter, and it was a game changer. For the first time, I had a site I was truly proud of. The words felt like me—not the clunky, nervous version of me—but the genuine, heartfelt me.

Later, I realized that if I wanted to clearly market to the clients I most wanted to serve, I needed to dive deeper. I made a big decision: I INVESTED in myself and my business. I enrolled in a marketing course, and honestly—nothing has been the same since.

That investment gave me tools, perspective, and most importantly, COMMUNITY. Having a community helps me think clearer, keeps me focused (focus has always been a big challenge for me), and fills me with inspiration. For me, creating community has been more than helpful—it’s been a survival skill and a necessity.

• Flexibility and time are priceless. This business has given me more of both.

• I love exploring. Building this business has created space for more adventure in my life.

This past year especially stretched me more than ever—it’s been the hardest and the most rewarding because it’s when I decided to go all in and make this permanent and full-time.

Here’s what I know now:

• I can do hard things.
• I’m more capable than I EVER imagined.
• Growth doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from showing up, over and over.

I remember putting out a blog post once and having two people proof it for me. They gave me notes, I thought I had saved the edits… but apparently I didn’t. The post went out with alllll the errors intact.

At first, I cringed. But then something surprising happened: a colleague and even a potential client told me they appreciated it. They said it showed I was human, too—and even humble. I still laugh about it to this day (and yes, the errors are still there). Feel free to check it out if you need a chuckle: Books That Help With a Lot

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way. To my clients (obviously, they’re not here but I wanted to put my gratitude for them out into the world), colleagues, friends, and family: thank you. Truly.

Here’s to the next five years of lessons, mistakes, laughter, and growth.

And if you’ve ever been in that place of wondering “Can I really do this?”—I see you. I’ve been there. And if this experiment has taught me anything, it’s that you’re more capable than you know.

Five years ago, I was googling ‘how to start a business’ at 2am. Now, I’m mentoring new therapists who are where I once was. If you have questions or are seeking support, feel free to reach out. I love what I do and I love to share what I’ve learned.