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.