One Year of Fun-Employment: Lessons from my first Year in Business

It’s officially been one year of working for myself, full time! 🥳

Actually… let’s tell the real story:

It’s been one year since I opened my big mouth, got fired from my job, and then decided I didn’t wanna get a “real job” ever again.

Either way, a win is a win! 🤣 👏💃🏻

My 1-year work-aversary came this November, and in the most beautifully aligned timing, it also ended up landing on the busiest and most expansive week of my business so far.

I led a Yin Yoga Teacher Training at a stunning new-to-me studio, held brand events at Dumbo House, Google, and The 1 Hotel, and even shared sound at a Women’s Conference!

This year has been wild, stretching, humbling, and deeply rewarding and as I’ve been reflecting on it, I wanted to share a few lessons that I’ve learned along the way:

1. The reality of “Full Time” no two 40 hrs are the same
   There’s a big difference between forty hours behind a computer and forty hours teaching, facilitating, and lugging bowls around the city. My work now requires a different kind of energy, and it’s forced me to be more mindful of my capacity, and practice what I preach 🧘🏻‍♀️

2. If I don’t make time to rest, my body will 🤧
   Random midday naps, a thrown-out back, and a few inconvenient colds were loving reminders that rest is a non-negotiable part of the process.

3. New beginnings come with grief.
   I feel so much pride and joy in who I’m becoming, and at the same time, there’s been a huge amount of sadness in saying goodbye to who I was. It is the year of the snake after all, and in the discomfort of shedding my old skin, I’ve created space for someone new to step forward. 🐍

4. Redirection is protection!!!
   I’ve planned multiple events and collaborations that just didn’t work out no matter how hard I tried. Some opportunities fall away. Some ideas don’t bloom. But I am no longer forcing things, instead, I’m trusting that whatever is for me will not pass me by.
   

5. Working for yourself is hard, but I’m my favorite boss.
   I know I make things look sparkly, but it’s not always as polished or glamorous as it looks online. There were 9 years of part-time building before what I’m calling “year one”, and while being self employed has brought up a million new challenges, and all my limiting beliefs, choosing to believe myself again and again has been worth every second.

6. Ask and you shall receive!
   This year taught me that support often arrives the moment we admit we need it. Receiving is it’s own spiritual practice, and asking for help can be one too. If you’ve been reading these newsletters, I’m doubling down on my belief that closed mouths don’t get fed. 👏
   
   And lastly, maybe the biggest lesson of all:

7. Your dreams deserve to be taken seriously.
   Even on the days that feel uncertain, even when things are messy, even when no one else fully understands what you’re building yet.
   
   Once you commit, decide there is no plan B, and choose to be all in, mountains will move, and magic will happen.

If you’re somewhere in the middle of your own transition, I hope you know I’m here with you too. It’s brave to create the life you want, instead of settling for the one that works well enough.

Thanks for coming along on this ride with me. Your encouragement means the world to me, and I hope these newsletters encourage right back!

I’m not me without you. 🫂

xoxo
Lindsay