02/24/2026
I’ve been thinking a lot about trades lately.
When I first started out as an LMT, trading services made so much sense. I was building confidence, building clientele, building content, building relationships. At that stage, the experience and exposure felt just as valuable as the money.
But as I’ve grown, so has my understanding of my time.
Every session I give isn’t just an hour on the table. It’s physical labor. It’s laundry. It’s supplies. It’s the continuing education and classes I invest in so I can show up knowledgeable and effective. It’s the energy I carry into the room. It’s the recovery after.
And the biggest thing? It’s inventory.
An appointment slot is something I can’t get back. If it’s filled with a trade, that’s a paid booking I’m turning away.
This isn’t me saying I’ll never trade. I believe in community. I believe in collaboration. I believe in mutual support.
But I also believe in sustainability.
I’m at a point where I have to ask:
• Is this building my business?
• Is this restoring me?
• Is this truly an equal exchange?
• Or am I undervaluing myself out of habit?
As I continue growing, I’m being more intentional about where my time goes. Trades may still happen — but not automatically, and not without alignment.
Growth sometimes looks like tightening boundaries.
And honoring your work.
Just sharing in case another service provider needed to hear this too 🤍
