I'm back and so ready for 2022.

Well, hello there. I know. It’s been a minute. You may have noticed that I’ve been a bit quiet the last few months on my social media feeds and website. There’s been so much that has happened “off screen” the last few months and it’s time for an update! Let’s just jump in with some lessons I’ve learned and news I’d like to share. You know the drill: grab your cup of coffee, put your feet up, and spend a few minutes reading with me!
Starting in mid-November, I made the decision to let go of writing posts every day for my social media platforms. Truthfully, there were several reasons for this, but the biggest one was that I was just plain worn out. Writing is something that I truly enjoy and have for a long time. I was that kid in 6th grade who started a school newspaper because we didn’t have one and was the sole author, typist, printer, and folder. For me, writing has been an outlet, a way to process my thoughts, and then share them with those who choose to read them. I’m always grateful for those of you who choose to engage with my words! But around early November, I started really feeling burned out with writing and posting regularly. You see, it wasn’t just the writing, it was also the time it was taking to check in on the posts, engage with anyone who chose to, and then turn around and do it again the next day. I wasn’t looking forward to it like I used to. I also wasn’t going to publish a post just to publish a post and get my name in front of your eyes on your screen again (that’s just not who I am - quality is really important to me, especially with how I run my business!). So, I set it down. I wanted to focus on my family, friends, and enjoying the holiday season and getting ready for 2022. And I am so thankful that I did! I was truly able to step back, be present, and do some deep dives on a few areas of business that needed attention. 
Lesson learned: it’s okay to set things down. 
About the same time, I also listened to this amazing podcast with Brene Brown and James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. It. Was/Is. Life. Revitalizing. It was so good, I ordered his book that day, which is all about how to build sustainable, positive habits. One of the biggest takeaways for me was this quote: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” Whaaaaat?! When I read that section of the book, so many things that I had been struggling with clicked into place! There is A LOT I have learned in the first few years of opening my company. There have been mistakes, missteps, and a lot of whoopsies. And when it comes to figuring out my systems, I realized that was an area that I had seriously been neglecting! Specifically when it comes to creating sustainable systems around my own wellness. I don’t know of a business owner, especially in the mental health world, that isn’t a bit tired and worn right now. I’m still figuring out my systems to create sustainable wellness habits, but I’m learning it’s worth my time and effort because I have a LOT of goals for the work that I do. A lot of dreams. But I won’t get those goals accomplished until I figure out how to regularly show up for and take care of myself and those who matter most. 
Lesson Learned: Creating sustainable systems and habits is hard, but 100% worth it to build a meaningful life. 
Probably the biggest reason I took time away from social media and posting was for me to invest time in continuing to learn and grow. There’s a lot I was taught in grad school and there’s a lot I wasn’t taught! Grad school was also a bit ago and long before I was ready to actually open a business that encourages, empowers, and equips people. I took time to research and learn about a few things that will be launching this spring…and to also make sure that I have the bandwidth to sustain them long term. 
Lesson Learned: Lifelong learning is critical to preventing burnout (for me). 
I'm so excited to share a few new developments with you that I was able to create over the last few months. Let’s look ahead to what all 2022 will bring (with a lot of hard work, creativity, and care) for J. S. Goldsberry & Associates!

• I’m so excited to be launching a monthly newsletter starting this Spring! It will be a mix of wellness strategies and leadership development content. You can sign up for the newsletter here. 

• Something that I’ve wanted to do for almost a year now is to start a podcast…so that’s happening! Tune in to “Let’s Talk…” to hear conversations about whole-person wellness topics, leadership development, and of course coffee & laughter. Find “Let’s Talk…” on your favorite podcast platform starting in March. 
• Courses & Coaching is a new series of services I’m thrilled to be launching this Spring. The first one will focus on licensed mental health professionals who are wanting to open up their own private practice. You will learn step by step how to successfully and wisely get your business up and running, and you can add coaching from me along the way. This has been an idea that has been percolating for awhile and I just can’t wait for it to be a practical, strategic tool to launch new businesses! 
• I will be doing the work to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor this year…which means in 2023, I will be able to bring on associates. As someone who firmly believes in investing and pouring into others, I am over the moon excited about this development! ​

I’m truly thankful for the time I took to be offline this winter. It allowed me to focus on my family, my friends, and be whole person healthy, continuing to hold space for my clients during one of the toughest times of the year. The holidays are wonderful, yes. They can also be incredibly lonely and challenging and this year lined up with that. I’m starting to trust the wisdom I’ve learned by making mistakes along this journey, leaning into helpful yet sometimes hard to hear feedback, and creating sustainable systems for my business and my life. Yes, 2022 has started a bit rocky for a lot of us. But, we know what to do because we do hard things every day. I look forward to connecting with you in new ways this year! 
Be well, 
JoEllen