Could Unplanned Growth Influence Success?

I had this neat, clear picture of what my life would look like by this point.

Spoiler alert: it doesn’t look anything like that—and I couldn’t be happier about it.

• I thought I’d go back to school, get my BSW, and be on the road to management. You know, working from an office, not a cubicle. Turns out, I’m running a business from my couch, sipping my Tim Hortons coffee, and mostly meeting clients in my sweatpants (don’t worry, I make sure the top half of me is professional).

  
  

• I always pictured myself climbing up the corporate ladder. What I didn’t realize is that I’d be building my own ladder—and loving every step of the way. Here’s the thing: the entrepreneurial ladder is way more flexible and can double as a comfy chair if you need a break.

• I thought I’d always be in one place. I started working at my dream job in the field I worked so hard for. I was going to be a "lifer," retiring with a plaque that said something like "35 years of dedicated service." Funny how life has a way of shaking things up. My “plans” turned out nothing like what I expected—and I’m totally okay with that.

• I thought I’d be working in an office, surrounded by people, with a clear path ahead. Instead, I find myself running my business from home—no dress code, no daily commute, just me, my laptop, and a cup of coffee, building something I’m passionate about.

• I thought I’d always be chasing the next promotion, thinking success meant more titles and bigger teams. What I didn’t expect was how much more fulfilling it would be to create something from the ground up, with MY values at the core.

• I thought my career would be about meeting deadlines and hitting targets. But I learned that real satisfaction for me, comes from helping people in ways that matter most—from taking the pressure off a busy family to providing support in times of need.

What’s the lesson here?

That’s why we write these things, right?

To share, to inspire, and to reflect.

Why do I share all of this? Because there's probably someone out there like me who needs to hear it. At 42, raising kids who’d rather be in their rooms than hanging out with you, navigating perimenopause, mid-life crisis, mental health, and physical pain—like seriously, I went to bed fine and woke up with a sore neck. WTF?

I never saw myself as creative or entrepreneurial, but as it turns out, I’m pretty good at it.

And on May 15th, I’ll be heading to the Kingston Chamber's Business Awards.

The Kingston Business Awards recognize the exceptional businesses in the Greater Kingston area that contribute to our economic development, unique character, and high quality of life. These awards celebrate the hard work, risk, and passion that business owners invest in their communities. Nominees and recipients, whether seasoned or aspiring entrepreneurs, serve as inspiration and guides for others.

The excitement builds as each step of the process leads to the glittering awards ceremony, where the winners are revealed. The atmosphere is electric, and it’s often said that nothing compares to the Kingston Business Awards!

To wrap it all up, if you’re ever feeling behind or out of place, trust me, you’re exactly where you need to be.

It’s the messy, unexpected journey that leads to growth, and sometimes the unplanned path turns out to be the most fulfilling one of all.

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