Taking Risks

The other day I got a notification congratulating me on my 15 year work history as therapist. 15 years I thought, there's no way that is possible. Sure enough it has been 15 years since I have graduated grad school and started working as a therapist. I thought back to the moment I decided to start grad school. It was 2007, I had been out of college for 7 years and I was a newly wed. I was tired of working in a dead end job and wanted to do something bigger. I went to my then newly wed husband and told him I wanted to go back to school, but that meant changing everything I knew and was used to. It was in that moment I decided to listen to my gut and ignore any anxiety and go for it. I have worked with many clients who deal with anxiety and paralyzing fear of doing something different, the unknown, or even the fear failure. But do I practice what I teach? Absolutely. Back in 2020 I was going through the hardest point of my life, and not just cause it was the pandemic, but that certainly didn't help. I was working in a situation that was less than pleasant or ideal (much like I was in 2007 when I went back to school) and knew I wanted out. I went out for lunch one day and noticed a for lease sign on a building right across the street from where I worked. I had seen that sign many times before, but that day something felt different. I said to myself "why not just be curious". I drove in the business complex, parked my car and peaked inside the building, only to find someone working in the office. I ran back to my car embarrassed for peaking in. The guy came out and let me know he was only fixing the lighting an and the owner of the office just so happened to be in there (he lived about an hour away). I met with the owner and toured the office. He informed me that he had someone interested in it but he would keep me in mind if anything else came up. I drove back across the street and went back to work. That evening the owner called me and said the other people backed out and if I wanted the office it was mine! I was terrified! Yes I wanted it, but could I make it work?, could I succeed?, could I really do this? I once again decided to listen to my gut and try my best to ignore any anxiety and go for it. I contacted another therapist who I knew was also looking for office space and within that week we singed the lease. Within a month we were set up and seeing clients in our new office space! It's been almost 5 I have not looked back. I love my office, I love what I do, and I am grateful to still be here in that very office. Yes change can be scary...but it can also be worth it. I am grateful I took that chance all those years ago and went back to school and I am grateful for all the chances I have taken since. It hasn't always been easy, but each life experience can teach us if we allow it. If you are looking to do something different, whether it be big or small, try taking a moment, check in with yourself and ask "am I willing to try". And of course we are always here if you need a little help along the way.