Mental Garden

Chapter Fourteen : Growth

Part One:

In the heart of my healing journey, I discovered a profound sense of fulfillment and connection that I had never experienced before, to not only my own dog but others. My love for animals had always been a constant in my life, but it was during the darkest moments of my struggle with anxiety and depression that their presence became a lifeline. Dog walking was my calling.
One of the most significant triggers of my anxiety had always been the overwhelming sense of not having control—of feeling like a mere passenger in life's tumultuous journey. But as I embarked on the path of entrepreneurship with my dog walking business, a newfound sense of empowerment washed over me, and I finally found solace in the reins of control firmly in my grasp. In the world of dog walking and pet care, I held the compass, directing my own destiny, and charting a course that resonated with my deepest desires and aspirations. Each step forward was taken with purpose, every decision made with intention, and every stride with the knowledge that I was the captain of my own ship. As my business flourished, so did my confidence, and with each client I welcomed into my care, I realized that I had the power to shape my own success. 

The once daunting concept of uncertainty was replaced with a newfound excitement for the limitless possibilities that lay ahead. In the realm of entrepreneurship, I discovered that control was not synonymous with rigidity or restraint—it was the freedom to be authentic and true to myself. It was the liberty to infuse my passion, creativity, and love for animals into every aspect of my work, creating an experience that was uniquely mine.

The anxiety that once consumed me had no place in this newfound realm of control. Instead, I found comfort in the rhythm of my own heart, the assurance of my abilities, and the fulfillment that came with knowing that I was walking the path that felt right for me. With each passing day, my dog walking venture became a living testament to the transformation that had taken place within me. As I built my business with love, compassion, and dedication, I discovered that control was not about dominating external circumstances but about finding peace within myself.

With each dog I met, a spark of passion ignited within me, and I realized that caring for animals was where my heart truly belonged. Guided by this newfound purpose, I took a leap of faith and decided to start my own business—dog walking and pet care services. Stepping into the world of entrepreneurship was both thrilling and terrifying. The process of accepting clients, gaining experience, and building my business from scratch challenged me to confront my fears and doubts head-on. But with every step, I gained confidence in my abilities, knowing that I was pursuing something that brought me immeasurable joy.

Each dog that entrusted me with their care taught me invaluable lessons in compassion, patience, and understanding. The joy of seeing them light up during our walks, the playful barks that filled the air, and the warmth of their presence filled my heart with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that words could not capture. As I interacted with fellow pet owners, my circle of connections expanded, and I began to forge meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals who shared my love for animals. The experience of being surrounded by a community of passionate pet lovers further solidified my belief that I was on the right path—one that resonated with my core values and brought a deep sense of fulfillment.Beyond the physical exercise and companionship that dog walking provided, this venture became a testament to my personal growth. 

It was a constant reminder that I was capable of embracing change, overcoming challenges, and nurturing my own sense of self-worth. Through this journey, I found not only a passion but a newfound sense of purpose and direction. The dogs I cared for became more than just clients; they became cherished friends and confidants, providing me with unwavering support and companionship during my own healing process.

In the boundless love and loyalty of these furry companions, I discovered the power of acceptance and the beauty of being loved for exactly who I am. It was a realization that extended far beyond the world of dog walking—it was a profound understanding of self-acceptance and the freedom that came with embracing my authentic self. In the world of dogs and pet care, I found a purpose that set my soul alight and ignited a flame of joy and fulfillment that continues to light my path. As I walked hand in paw with my furry companions, I discovered that in following my passion, I had unleashed a profound transformation within myself—a transformation that had not only healed my soul but had set me on a path of boundless love, purpose, and possibility.

Part Two:

Before I embarked on the path of creating my own business in dog walking, I grappled with a world that seemed to move at a different pace from mine. As my peers landed part-time jobs after graduation or even before, I found myself in a sea of uncertainty, questioning my purpose and self-worth. The daunting prospect of getting my own job loomed large in front of me, and the weight of self-doubt threatened to crush my spirit. I watched others navigate the job market with ease, while I struggled to summon the courage to take that first step. The first time I mustered the courage to attend an interview, I found myself at the precipice of panic. The fear that gripped my heart as I parked my car outside the interview venue was overwhelming, and I could feel the doubt creeping in, like shadows cast by my own insecurities. In the end, I turned back, unable to overcome the immense pressure that I had placed on myself. The disappointment I felt was palpable, but it also brought with it an important realization—that fear was holding me back from my true potential.

The second time, months later, I was determined to confront my fears head-on. As I walked into that interview room, my heart was racing, but I refused to let the fear take control. Despite not getting the job, I had taken that critical first step, and it filled me with a sense of pride and resilience. That moment marked the beginning of a gradual transformation—a willingness to embrace the fear and the understanding that setbacks were not failures, but opportunities for growth and learning. Through the fog of uncertainty, a flicker of hope began to shine within me. Instead of berating myself for not fitting into the mold that society deemed "successful," I started to question what success truly meant to me.

And as I explored my passion for animals, a new path began to emerge—one that felt authentic, purposeful, and in harmony with my deepest values. The idea of creating my own business in dog walking started to take shape, and I knew in my heart that it was where my true calling lay. With every step towards this new journey, I felt the grip of fear loosen its hold on me. As I honed my skills, gained experience, and laid the groundwork for my business, I realized that embracing the fear had been the catalyst for finding my own path and purpose.

In defying the expectations placed upon me, I discovered the power of charting my own course—a path that was uniquely mine and aligned with my passion and values. The journey to finding my purpose was not an easy one, but it was one of profound growth and self-discovery.Looking back, I am grateful for every moment of doubt, every interview that tested my mettle, and every fear that threatened to paralyze me. Each experience was a stepping stone towards embracing my true self and embracing the beauty of uncertainty.In the end, I learned that it is not the job titles or external validations that define our worth; it is the courage to follow our hearts and forge a path that ignites our passion. 

As I took those brave steps towards creating my own business, I realized that my worth and purpose were not determined by the approval of others, but by my ability to find joy, fulfillment, and authenticity in every stride of my journey.