As I embark on this adventure… do come along!

Its January 2025 and I am filled to the brim with excitement and…. frankly…. terror. It’s been a long time since I have actively taken paid clients for Cuddle Therapy Sessions and I just want so much for this to be a successful venture. Not just for me, but for anyone I can reach with my offerings. I know this is something the world needs, but I also need the world to know that, ya know?

I was laid off beginning of November, and if you know me, you know that’s not something that has ever happened to me before. I am the person who sticks around and grins and bears the toxic nature of my workplace for way too long before seeking something else. Then I write a letter to the higher ups (usually whoever is higher than the person I work for IF they exist) explaining why I have left and that I hope they can address these issues. Please note that I ALSO tried to better my work environment WHILE present in it, but so often corporations are resistant to change. I found I was spending more time trying to help my coworkers deal with it all than . This time the toxic workplace released me instead. In the moment I was relieved. I knew I could finally wake up on a weekday and not dread the “Mean Girl” world that I had found myself in. It was in that moment that I made a deal with myself to find a career that at the very least made my heart happy to be a part of.

I spend a couple months looking at non-profits like People Serving People and PACER Center (both companies that are near and dear to me heart, but unfortunately “Decided to move in a different direction”). I was scouring social media for ideas and I happened upon a small non-profit business in Illinois called Enough Stuff Club. Everything in their store is free, and anyone is welcome to come a claim the things they need. This really spoke to me because I had spent a couple weeks last summer giving away stuff I didn’t need in a “Buy Nothing” tent I had set up in the vacant lot beside our house. I loved serving my community like that, and not for nothing their response was a resounding “Thank You” which felt really good. This idea of course will require a lot more capital then I readily have available, but it is still something that I am keeping in my pocket for when I get a little more established and back on track financially.

I have ended up accepting a position (because bills don’t pay themselves) working for someone very near and dear to my heart. While accounting and taxes isn’t my passion it is nice to know I can go into work with someone who is understanding, already knows and embraces who I am, what I stand for and where I am going with Sonder Embrace. Shameless plug, if you are looking to get your taxes done for a flat fee and you want to support a Queer and Woman owned business check out Waldoch Tax & Accounting.

In addition to that job I still wanted something that was just mine. I love showing up for other people in a way that supports my own energy and boundaries too. Its about quieting anxiety, taking time for ones self and having a buddy that holds you to it! (pun intended) Its about feeling connected to the human world, that multilevel organism that has a life of its own. Its about helping each other through hard times and holding space for all the emotions that come with them. Its about finding joy and enthusiastically sharing that in an energy exchange that builds us up. I received my certification in 2016 from Cuddlist and I am so excited to go through their newest iteration of the training in February so that I can share more techniques and tips with you. I hope you will join me on this journey!