In my work, I have the privilege of assisting individuals in building and refining their businesses. It’s a journey of discovering how they want to show up in the world through their ventures. But here’s the thing: our businesses are not separate entities from ourselves. Especially when we’re a small team of fewer than five employees. Our businesses are an extension of who we are—our wishes, dreams, values, and the essence that radiates from within us.

I want to share something truly special that happened to me this past week. It’s a dream I’ve carried with me since my early twenties, and now I’m taking the first steps toward making it a reality. I’ve decided to apply for a Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling. It’s still fresh and early in the process, and I haven’t even begun to navigate the applications or received any acceptance letters. But I couldn’t resist sharing this with you. It will be a slow and steady journey, not a fast sprint. And you know what? I’m completely at peace with that.

Today, I want to offer something different instead of bombarding you with business advice. I want to nourish your soul and provide you with a gentle reminder to prioritize self-care.

Now, let me leave you with a beautiful excerpt from a poem that I hope resonates deeply with you:

You are a beautiful human being.
You are loved.
You are necessary.
You have no burden except to stop striving.
Gently wait. Create space.
Tell your story, soft and balanced, like a prayer.
Create with each breath and allow with each sigh. Each breath is a blessing.
Be the beast that was born.
Feed that animal.
Be the creature that prowls,
that lives and expires.
Be the laughing one, crying, dying;
be the forgotten one;
be the center of the ring.
Just be.
Source: “Be” (excerpt) by Wendy Sue Hunt, January 2020

Embrace your true self, my friends. You’re extraordinary just the way you are.