Several years ago, if you'd asked me about the qualities a business owner needs to have, I'd probably have thought that one of the most important things would be that they'd "have it all together."
(Whatever that means, am I right?)
Fast forward to now, and I've been able to learn through this work that not "having it all together" all the time (aka my chronic mental health issues) is not actually a hindrance to what I do.
In fact, I've found over the years that it's an integral part of my process.
Why?
First of all, it's been super helpful in how I strive to build anti-capitalist values into my work. Rest, nuance, valuing lives over profits, challenging the stereotypical definitions of "productivity"...balancing a business and my own mental health needs really helps to challenge some of the standard (harmful) values of capitalism.
Plus, it's helped me reflect on how my previous professional experiences didn't always leave much space to support my own needs, and the overall impact of that.
Here are a few things I have to intentionally do in my business as I take care of my mental health:
Engage really solid boundaries (time, relational, communication, etc)
Structure my schedule in a way that nourishes rather than depletes (and notice the warning signs that show up when I've been taking on too much)
Take time off when I need (and acknowledge the immense privilege in being able to do this)
Ensure effective self-care and support so that none of my stuff seeps into my work with clients
Honor the both/and, embrace nuance, and celebrate the complexities of my lived experience
Here are a few things my clients can expect to receive when working with me, a practitioner with chronic mental health needs:
Compassion and flexibility (you get the same kindness I strive to give to myself)
A sacred space where absolutely anything can be safely verbalized and processed (nothing you say will shock me, and you will never be shamed)
Secure and healthy boundaries (you can trust that I'm taking care of my shit so it doesn't pile onto yours)
A deep understanding of the beauty and challenges your own lived experience entails, and a real desire to support you in processing all of it
Having my particular experiences certainly isn't required to be an effective practitioner. It is, though, part of what makes me the kind of partner I get to be with clients.
Giving space for your most deeply felt things doesn't have to be done in secret, shrouded in shame and silence. And sometimes, simply naming the experience can help give it a little less weight.
And your struggles don't fully define you or what you can or cannot do. You are an incredible, magical, bright beam of light...and we need your light in this world, with all the complexities it carries.
Perfection doesn't exist. Healing and growth are constant, and you do not need to "have it all together" in order to do the things you desire, to be the truest version of you, to love and be loved fiercely and without hesitation.
And I can be here to hold space for you—all of you—as you continue to become the most full and free you that you know you can be.