I’m adult. I know it. You know it. And yet, there are so many times when I wonder how I got here with my head held high. When I look back over the past 15-20 years, it amazes me how much I’ve done; how much I’ve worked more than anything else, but how full it’s been.
Here’s what I’ve assessed so far—I’ve worked a lot. I’ve worked at several outpatient behavioral health nonprofits and corporations. I’ve worked full time, part time, I’ve consulted, and I’ve started my own business, twice. This past weekend, I celebrated 7 years of CEO’ing (yeah, that’s a word—I just made it up, LOL!) at Behavioral Health Consulting Services, LMSW, PLLC. Seven years ago, I had NO idea where I would be with this company, but wow, what a ride! But, I digress. I’ll get back to being in awe of what my team and I have done in 7 years, momentarily.
So, where was I? Oh yes, I’ve adulted a lot over the years. I’ve traveled. I’ve traveled throughout the US, a little. Seeing much more of the US is definitely on my life list (I don’t use bucket list—I mean, why does that even exist?). I’ve traveled to the northernmost and southern parts of Africa. I’ve traveled to Central America, but only to Costa Rica. I don’t mean to minimize that because CR is a beautiful country to see. I just miss not being able to travel right now. But, when I do, to the pink beaches of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Venezuela and of course, Colombia I go!
I danced a lot, though I wish I danced more back in the day because the places I used to go dancing are either closed or they’ve transformed into a club of a different name, about 5 times over by now. I’ve decided that I’ll be dancing on my vacation in a few days, how about that? Will you dance along with me—in your own virtual living room, of course?!
I’ve eaten a lot. I look forward to when I’m comfortable going out in New York so I can explore a few more ethnic restaurants in the LES (lower east side) and Harlem, which abounds with a variety of French/African restaurants.
I’ve shopped. Man, have I shopped! It astonishes me at times how many clothes, shoes, handbags, and jewelry I’ve bought over the years. How? I was a social worker for most of my career before I was a life coach and therapist. How did I afford to do that? If you know like I know a social worker in New York is just barely getting by on their salary most days. However, part of my survival I have to say is that I came of age at a time in NY when you could actually afford to live, and dance, shop a bit (at like H&M mostly, LOL) and eat out from time to time because rent wasn’t what it is now. Still, I am still in shock—like I might need resuscitating if I think about how much money I’ve wasted mostly on shopping, and then here’s the real kicker—giving things away a few years after I bought the things I did because I wouldn’t wear them or like them anymore. Am I the only one who did this in their 20’s and 30’s?
All in all, it’s been a long, yet rapid journey through my adult years, and after all that I’ve experienced, I gotta say I have had a blast so far. I never knew I’d go to Mexico 4 times by now, travel to 4 continents by myself, live in every place I’ve dreamed of, so far. And start 2 businesses, of which the 1 I work in is thriving and becoming more amazing every year.
As I mentioned earlier, I just celebrated the 7th year of owning my 1st-for-profit company. These 7 years have been incredible. It started with hosting Twitter Chats every 6 weeks on Twitter to grow an audience, to doing a few consults every now and then for adults seeking mental health services, to really finding my niche as an expert in wellness and now, to running a successful company doing (most of) the things I love. (Running a business takes a ton of work ladies and gents, don’t let the ‘gram make you think anything different!) While I take a few weeks off to rest and do some old and new things I love doing, I am also going to bask in the sun and thank the Most High and my team for helping me make it this far. So, in my usual fashion, I want to leave you for now, with 5 things I’ve learned about myself, my business and the team that helps me to be who I get to be every day:
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- I am more resilient than I knew I was.
- I will only work with people who are geniuses at what they do so I can be a genius at what I do.
- Where you begin is not where you will stay; being open to growing which means changing, is 1 of my greatest life lessons.
- Creating job descriptions and workflows are major keys for onboarding and letting staff & consultants be successful at what they do.
- Everyone on your team can only be as awesome as you set the example for them to be. People learn from what you do more than they learn from what you say. Model that!
- I am more resilient than I knew I was.
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There’s more SBLs (small business lessons) I could share but keep coming back to the blog. I know everyone isn’t a small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, and because of that I will continue giving you some useful coaching tips on lifestyle hacks, personal development and wellness. Just keep coming back. And as always Village, tell a friend to tell a friend, to tell 5 friends to subscribe to this blog. And keep those emails coming about what posts resonate most with you and why.
Until next time…
Asha
*This blog is about becoming free. It’s a reflection of introspective thoughts and experiences that have crossed miles of self-discovery. I created this blog to inspire others to live life with less self-criticism, judgment and openness to new experiences. May you find that you learn how to live a life by design and on your own terms!*