CLT Anniversary: One Year Reflection
Victoria Gwilt, LCMHCA
Starting CLT with Ian was a big jump for me. My years as a School Counselor were filled with exhaustion and challenges, but also with joy - meaningful moments with students and the security of a well-established career. Private practice felt like a lifeline, but also a leap into the unknown. What exactly was I jumping into?
As I reflect on our first year of building CLT, I find myself returning to familiar clichés. They’re clichés for a reason - because they hold truth. And this year, I’ve seen those truths play out in very real ways.
“Time flies when you’re having fun” & “A watched pot never boils.”
Working with a friend to build something from the ground up has been exciting, energizing, and surprisingly fun. In so many ways, I can’t believe a year has already passed since we moved in. At the same time, the reality of building something new is that it takes patience and perseverance. Some days have flown by with creativity and new ideas, while others felt painfully slow as I wondered if the work was paying off. I’ve learned to embrace both: the thrill of momentum and the slow, quiet progress that eventually adds up.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Whenever I hear this cliché, I can’t help but think - who really expected Rome to be built in a day? And yet, that was exactly the expectation I placed on myself when starting out. I wanted immediate results, clear evidence that my hard work was paying off. But the truth is, building something meaningful takes time. Every email sent, every connection made, every session held - they’re all bricks in the larger foundation. Growth isn’t always flashy, but it is steady.
“Celebrate the small wins.”
I’ve redefined what success looks like this year. Success isn’t only the big milestones; it’s the consistent work and showing up each day. Learning to recognize and celebrate those small steps has shifted my perspective in powerful ways.
“Motivation is everything.”
Starting something new requires a deep well of intrinsic motivation. Challenges are inevitable, but the drive to keep going, rooted in passion and purpose, has been what sustains me.
“The sky’s the limit.”
Looking back, I never pictured myself here - and yet, this space has opened up opportunities for creativity, freedom, and growth that I hadn’t imagined. I’ve learned so much in just one year, and the best part is knowing there’s still so much more ahead. Ian and I have exciting plans in the works, and I can’t wait to share them as we continue this journey.
