366 days ago I was fervorously working at my laptop trying to finish my website and social media pages so that I could launch my little business by the self-imposed deadline of 1 October.

Such a giant cliche but, where on earth has that year gone!!

Today, I am very proud to say that The Mental Movement celebrates it’s first birthday.

I made it through the initial months of panic (do I know how to do this?), I got a bit of structure, started building confidence, lost it again when I realised that what I’d learnt in training was just the tip of the iceberg, got really busy, had no structure at all, felt high as a kite, questioned my motivation…….the rollercoaster continues on.

But, as I sit here reflecting on the last year, I realise that all the twists and turns that I mention above are just the background noise, just some of the inevitable ebbs and flows of life and natural feelings which come up when exploring something new.

Beyond the noise, I’m very clear that what I value most and what regularly inspires me are the relationships I’m able to build, the interactions I get to have with fascinating people and being an important part of their unique transformation.

Have my expectations been met by the first year of self-employed life?

Without a doubt. And so much more that I didn’t expect.

Here are my highlights (in no particular order):

  • Having worked 1-1 with more than 25 fantastic clients
  • Being part of 3 transformations from Miss to Mrs
  • 3 shifts from career woman to new mum & then on to the challenge of combining both
  • Surprising myself by getting a job at a women’s fitness studio
  • Fulfilled my dream of bringing a little furry friend into my life
  • Having one of my blog posts published as an article
  • Becoming a yoga teacher, especially the wonderful people I’ve shared that journey with
  • Cuddled a lot more babies than I’d anticipated (some of them weren’t sick on me)

So, what’s next for The Mental Movement?

It feels like the real challenge for me right now is, in spite of the fact that there is still so much more to do/learn/achieve, to not let that hold me back from putting myself and the business out there.

The last year has proved to me that my true passion is in working with people on real shifts and transformations in their lives – not everyone needs this and those that do aren’t always going to come in search of my business, so I need to get out there and find them.

So I’ve spent the last few months trying to get really clear on my message – a big challenge when what I do is very much tailored to each individual – and now it feels like it’s time to bite the bullet, stop hiding in the shadows, face the fear and, in the words of Tears for Fears, be prepared to….

Shout, shout, get it all out

As I often say to my clients, what’s the worst that could happen? No-one responds, someone tells me my message is rubbish……my life would carry on just as it is now, which is pretty damn good. But my desire to seek out those who are ready for a shift and my curiosity of where things could go has now got the better of me.

So, here I go, about to take a leap into the next phase of my journey with The Mental Movement – wish me luck for a soft but exciting landing!