A Celebration of Two Years

This month I’m celebrating two years in business.

I’ve heard it said over and over that the first two years are the hardest. Gosh, I really hope that’s true. The last two years have been some of the most challenging of my life. But somehow, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Practicing thankfulness has made me so much more aware of the good in my life instead of focusing on temporary frustrations or difficulties. This week I’m intentionally slowing down and reflecting on the last two years of my business to honor and celebrate it’s birthday. So, I’m be sharing things I’m grateful for in this business.

I’m thankful for being able to work for myself and set my own schedule. That allows me to work when I am most inspired and to prioritize my own health and well being, which is something I never experienced in a traditional office environment. Because of my job, I’m healthier and happier than ever because I’ve been able to focus on my physical and emotional health. I couldn’t imagine any other way of living and working.

I’m thankful that I’m able to provide for myself doing what I love. It hasn’t been easy. Some months I’ve stripped down the budget to the bare bones and had to redefine what it meant to provide for myself, but I’ve done it nonetheless. This area is where comparison really sneaks in, but I have to remind I have everything I need, and I’m thankful for that.

I’m thankful for my incredible clients. Every single client I’m working with right now was on my ‘dream client list’. My dream clients are business (bonus points for female owned) that are working to do good in their community. I’m so incredibly grateful for the clients who have chosen me to be a small part of their dream.

Finally, I want to talk about community.

I’ve surrounded myself with people near and far who cheer me on and have been here every step of the way. To you, I’m endlessly grateful. I’m thankful for my online creative community who embodies community over competition. For my small circle of fellow designers that Slack on a daily basis and cheer each other on. I’m thankful for the dear friends who send text messages, leave encouraging voicemails, send postcards, and cover me in prayer. I couldn’t have done this for two years without any of you.

Now, to wrap up this week of celebration and thankfulness, I’m going to go get my first ever massage.

PS – If you’re that dream client I described above, I’d love to work with you! Reach out and let’s chat.