2023’s Biggest, Bestest Challenge
Hi, it’s Melissa—a bit of a behind-the-scenes post here!
As I reflect on the whirlwind of 2023, I can't help but marvel at the new friendships, the two book clubs that got me reading for fun again, the start up of monthly moon gatherings, the exciting short trips exploring Europe, running outdoors more consistently than I've ever managed to do before, and cat-sitting the loveliest fur balls ever. Many of these opportunities simply came my way, for which I'm very grateful and appreciative.
My biggest opportunity, learning curve and satisfaction, though, was one that I created myself.
A little over a year ago, I embarked on possibly my boldest career venture yet — establishing a mind and body therapy studio locally in Porto, Portugal.
I was lucky to find a great space, very centrally located. It wasn't perfect, but it had a lot of potential.
My husband helped with the initial cleaning and sanding, and then I did the interior spruce-up, turning it into a welcoming haven for customers.
During the first week, we were still waiting for the electricity and water to be connected, so we had to do all the preparations within the short winter daylight hours Luckily, the space has a lot of natural light!
I persevered and managed to open for business on the 20th of December 2022 — because if it's ready to go, why wait?
I had my first three clients before Christmas, and four more clients came in the last week of that year. (Proof not to delay. Any time is a good time!)
Nowadays, the Brain Room is used for mindset coaching, hypnotherapy and human design, while the Body Room caters to sports and therapeutic massage.
2023 has been all about experiencing a full annual cycle of client sessions and seasons.
(Seasons, literally — I had to invest in two heaters, a fan and A/C!)
Like many, I'm a bit embarrassed about acknowledging my efforts, but a large part of the success of this mind and body therapy studio is a result of my hard work, resilience, resourcefulness, years of skills and experience in many areas, and a genuine desire to get to know my customers and help them as transformationally as I can.
It's one thing to be working with clients at home and online, with very low overhead costs, as I did for many years prior. It's another thing when you have a physical space to maintain, additional rent and bills to pay, and a reputation on Google Business to uphold (just kidding... sort of!) Thankfully, from the outset, the income well covered the monthly expenses. And with all the major equipment purchased and a steadily increasing client base, I'm looking forward to further growth in 2024
So, as 2023 draws to a close, I extend a heartfelt thank you — to myself, for daring to dream and then actually making it happen, and to all who supported me this year, from friends and clients to acquaintances and contacts that I only know online. I know you're real people, too
And to anyone on the cusp of a leap, consider this your sign to dive in Life is an ongoing experiment. We're here to concoct the perfect formula for our current chapter. Remember, you're the author of your own story... how do you want it to unfold?
