A moment of reflection

After years of dreaming, 12 months of active preparation, and 10 months of taking baby steps, my dream of having a private practice is fulfilled. My practice (Nicki Williamson, MSW, LCSW, LLC) officially began in December 2009 after obtaining a tax ID number. In January 2010, I moved into my little office located in the heart of downtown Bloomington with my second hand desk, lamps and wallhangings from around our house, chairs from Craigslist, and a big smile. I hosted my first parenting workshop and began marketing marketing marketing.

By the end of the month, I welcomed my first client. I hosted some educational seminars and my one client grew to three clients by the end of the second month. I was nervous and excited and hopeful (and scared!). During the next few months, I gained clients here and there from various places. I tried different marketing ideas and learned some worked better than others. I designed my first round of brochures (shaking my head in shame) and then attended a workshop that showed me how I did everything WRONG. I took a deep breath, saved my money and revamped those brochures into something I am now proud to share with others.

I've been working three other jobs in addition to my practice throughout this year. I had to in order to meet the financial obligations we have along with the expenses this new business incurs. During the past two weeks, I was able to let those other jobs go. I now get to spend my energy working at my practice. My full time practice that is picking up referrals from doctors, other therapists, radio ads, online ads, newspaper ads, and most importantly (and difficult!) word of mouth.

This is my first week working at my office full time (which is three days per week). I will still pick up some consulting here and there, but that is now by choice and not by necessity. And it feels like flying. I get to be home on the weekends with my family. I get to be home with my husband and family to eat dinner together most nights and tuck my babies into bed. I get to go to work at a job I love, and help people who need some extra support and guidance.

I'm not writing this to hear any "Good jobs" or "Well dones". I am writing this to remind myself that on this day, I have accomplished what I set out to do. Like many women, I am hardest on myself about not being a good enough wife, mother, worker, or friend. Today, I am going to document that I did it. It took time, determination, passion, and patience. I created what I wanted and am taking a moment to focus on that.

This boy of three

This boy of three actively seeks out adventure and excitement. He is quick to smile which often turns into laughter and goofiness. He is loud, joyful, and animated and loves to sing songs. Especially the silly ones!

This boy of three is head strong and passionate. He can be a real stinker but turns things around quickly when headed down the wrong path. Like his daddy, he is a gentle soul with a sweetness that attracts all kinds of people. He likes to do things his own way, but also loves to be included, especially if it is with the big kids. "I did it!!! I am a big boy, Mommy. I am fwee!!" (as he holds three fingers out, ever so careful to make sure his little thumb holds his pinky finger in place)

This boy of three still loves everything on wheels. He rides his bike so fast it highsides in the corners. I'm not sure if he notices mommy's shaking hands and pounding heart, or daddy's pounding heart and broad smile. But we are there. Watching every move. His 12 inch bike was quickly traded in for something bigger, faster and he hopped on the 16 inch bike as though he was born to ride it. "Wook how fast I am! I am fast wike Wightening McQueen!" Yes baby, you are fast.

This boy of three adores his daddy. He wants to do everything his daddy does and sometimes hangs his head sadly and says "I miss daddy" when he is at work. If Daddy is around, he is definitely chosen to be Jack's partner. He especially loves riding in Daddy's big truck and when Daddy takes him to the construction site to see the big bulldozers or to the Recycling Center "to do the 'cycling". They are great buddies.

This boy of three longs to be with his big sister. He misses her when she is gone to Kindergarten, but is finding his own place now that she is not there to overshadow him. He talks about his own day with his friends and takes pride in wearing his backpack to his preschool like Kate. He looks forward to dropping her off in the mornings and picking her up in the afternoons. The two are inseparable now when they are home together. They happily go on make believe adventures together. They are Jessie and Buzz Lightyear off to save the day. Or they are prince and princess trying to defeat the ever elusive bad guy. They act out scenes from Dora or Max & Ruby and watch movies together. They are the best of friends.

This boy of three also loves his mommy. He is having some difficulty adjusting to Mommy working an extra day each week, but loves the two Mommy-Jack days we get every week. On these days, we run errands, play games, go to the library, watch cartoons, or just hang around home. He loves that Mommy eats lunch with him at his little table and always eats exactly the same lunch he has. In our quiet times together, he holds my hand, snuggles on my lap, and plays with my hair just as he has always done.

This boy of three. He changes so quickly. Yet some things always remain the same. And I am thankful.