One of the things I was most fearful of when stepping into my own business was my mental illness. I thought about the days when my anxiety would make it nearly impossible to focus or the days when my depression would leave me bed-ridden.

When I entered my first treatment facility at the age of fifteen many aspects of my life changed very quickly, and I’m not just talking about the fact that I wasn’t allowed to brush my teeth without the approval of a mental health aid or nurse.

I woke up today after getting my first good night's sleep in days and went for a run. Sleep and running, two things I enjoy but never seem to do enough. I ran to my favorite little pond in Malden. I sat down on a rock and did a little reflecting.

I’m sitting here one day away from the launch of my business and I can’t help but feel overcome by emotion. These large moments in my life leave me looking back on the last 9 years.

If you have ever crossed paths with me, read any of my writing, followed me on any social media platform, or listened to any of my speeches, you are very much aware that I proudly speak about my mental illness and the subsequent journey that has come as a result.

There is no time like the present to do the thing you’ve always been meaning to do. Well, with the present state of the world, and my newly unemployed status, I guess making my side hustle my full-time hustle starts…now!