I Had a Baby and Now I Express My Gratitude
It is with humble gratitude that I write this post.
I’ve been absent from the world of blogging for almost a year, but with good reason. A reason that I was fortunate enough to share with many of you via social media, and then finally in real life last week….I had a baby! A 3250 square foot, purple, grey and white baby.
My vision and dream of a collective team of practitioners was born officially on June 25, 2012. Believe me when I say that the pregnancy, the growth of the idea into an actual space, was not an easy one. There were many bumps and what felt like, unsurmountable challenges along the way, right up to the point before its birth. But here we are, alive and well, and most importantly, blossoming.
I did not do this alone, and I want to take this opportunity to thank those that lent an ear, gave me a shoulder to cry on, picked me up when I had fallen, brushed me off and then cheered me on, as I nurtured this baby to the day that I opened my doors and let my first patient in.
ellephysio creators
The kitestring creative branding studio planted a seed in my head over a year ago when I began working with them on rebranding. A simple suggestion. “Karen, if the patients that really make you excited to work are women and girls. Why don’t you be the physio that treats women and girls?” Hmmmm…and with that, the embryo of ellephysio was planted.
This dynamic, quirky and candy-loving team are consummate professionals. They take a vision and turn it into reality, while at the same time, always having fun. Thank you, kitestring, for my beautiful brand. A true extension of me, in my logo, colours, mission statement and website.
My coach
Thank you to Laurel Crossley-Byers of Opti-Mom. You were the VERY FIRST person to tell me, “Put it out there, Karen”. You made me cry within 5 minutes of meeting you on that fateful night of the first Vino n’ Visions workshop with Cathy Thompson. You helped my prioritize my goals and see them all come to fruition, and I’m still not sure how you did that! Together with Cathy Thompson, you have now developed Simply Blossoming, as a way to help women express and connect with their true inner selves. You both hold special places in my heart as the catalyst of this whole amazing venture.
The ellephysio space
What a crazy ride the building of the space was. Probably the 3 most stressful months of my life. I couldn’t have done it without the help of Jason Gilbert, for co-ordinating the efforts of the construction crew. Thank you Steve Muise, Ed Dube, Dave Hill, AC Air Systems, Peter Rood, Peter Szakal and Ontario Carpet. You guys certainly earned your keep!
Team Entrepreneurs
The Oakville Business Network is a collection of the most talented and supportive group of entrepreneurs on the planet. This group have both as a team, and individually in their own way, given of themselves, their wonderful energy, ideas and support. I don’t think it is a coincidence that this group of people holds within it, many of the winners of reader’s choice contests within Oakville. Each of us special in our own way, but together, a force to be reckoned with. Thank you Team #OakBN!
Special thanks to Bob Minhas of AlphaStarr Technical Solutions, Samina Sial of HR Enable, Peter Szakal of Somine Enterprises, Craig Silva of Big Daddy Kreativ, Dale Stoneman of Legal Shield, Sandra Janicki and Jane Carter of ShoeBox Tak Prep, Ryan Tisdale of PayTrak Payroll, Geoff Reiner and Troy Claus of Clarity for the Boss, and Karen Majerly of Communications at Work.
A very special thank you to Dr. Aoife Earls, the smartest, most amazing Naturopathic Doctor. She talked me down from cliffs, let me cry without judgement, helped me breath through my panic attacks, and overall kept me sane this year.
The ellephysio staff
It was important to me that I fill ellephysio with other like-minded practitioners. I am so lucky to be working with such an amazing team! You make it a joy to come to work everyday. Thank you for your patience, understanding and wonderful sense of humour. I hope that ellephysio will always be filled with the wonderful sound of laughter.
My friends, family and patients
This is where the tears start flowing…I cannot even express the depth and breadth of my gratitude to you all.
I am so fortunate to have the most wonderful patients a physiotherapist could ask for. Thank you for your patience this year, as I had to postpone the opening of the clinic time after time. I know that some of you had to put up with a very frazzled physio trying to treat you, but you always lent a caring ear as I vented the days frustrations. You are the reason that I built this space, I can only hope that it provides the level of care and positive energy that you all deserve.
My friends and family. You know who you all are. Thank you for your love and support, rolling up your sleeves to help out, and being such a great team of cheerleaders. I definitely owe you one!
My parents were the first ones to say, “It’s going to be ok”, when I thought that my world was crashing around me just a few months ago. They promised to help, and have gone way above and beyond. I have always just wanted to make you both proud. I feel so honoured to be your daughter and the recipient of such amazing care can love. You truly are two incredible people. I love you both so much. Thank you.
Finally, a thank you to my husband. Scott, you were angry when I couldn’t be, held me when I thought I couldn’t go on, and have been by my side, holding my hand tight through this entire adventure. I know it has been a hard road, and our home life has suffered a bit, but we both know it will be worth it, and there is nobody else I would rather have by my side. This baby is ours.
Thanks to those that came to celebrate the birth of ellephysio at our Grand Opening Celebration! I couldn’t have done it without all those just mentioned, and without the wonderful donations and vendors that helped to make it such a great success! I want ellephysio to be a part of the community, and look forward to interacting with you for years to come!
With love and gratitude,
Karen xoxo
