Healing is the New Hustle: My Journey with Carve Your Own Path

By Amanda Kostura, MSW, LISW-S (she/they) Founder & Executive Director, Carve Your Own Path, Inc.

Hey there! If you'd asked me about "the hustle" a few years ago, I'd have thought about endless work. But things have shifted. Now, it's about "healing as the new hustle," believing that meaningful success comes from inner well-being. This belief is why I started Carve Your Own Path (CYOP), my Ohio-based non-profit dedicated to creating affirming spaces for all, especially LGBTQIA+ individuals and those navigating big life changes.

My biggest mindset shift happened while deep in community mental health, completely burnt out. I was taking tons of time off, using FMLA, battling physical health issues, and even grappling with active suicidal thoughts. It became terrifyingly clear: I couldn't survive this path. So, for the first time, I quit my job without another lined up. It was purely for my survival, and an immense weight immediately lifted. I quickly found another job, and it was during this process that I began laying the groundwork for CYOP. I realized traditional therapy often missed truly addressing diverse needs, especially for marginalized communities. Genuine healing, I saw, needed to go "beyond the bubble bath" – 

a concept I teach in my professional development training, "Self-care: Beyond the Bubble Bath." This pivot, from a rigid view of therapy to one embracing holistic wellness and community, transformed my career and led to CYOP.

A core truth driving this idea: our bodies are not machines. Despite constant efforts to keep up with unrealistic productivity and tech, our bodies remain simple. We've unnecessarily kept ourselves in a heightened stress response, severely impacting our well-being. Research shows chronic, unresolved stress leads to significant health issues like pain, high blood pressure, and even chronic/terminal illnesses. This was my reality during burnout. When we chase the hustle relentlessly, we lose ourselves – sacrificing authenticity and human connection. It's crucial to feel the full range of emotions safely and with support.

So, helping others heal while staying grounded myself? It’s an enduring practice and a constant work in progress! As a trauma-informed clinical social worker, I prioritize self-care. This means utilizing local colleagues and mentors, seeking my own therapy when needed, and maintaining clear work-life boundaries. Crucially, I make time for play and fun! I do inner child work with clients, and it’s vital for all of us to simply PLAY. 

For me, that means being fully present, letting creativity run wild playing with my child. Or, trying new things like an arcade, kickball, or an art class. Your inner child is waiting, and playing can heal unseen parts of you. Building smart systems also helps; by streamlining communications, our team can focus on meaningful client care, reducing burnout.

Healing work is revolutionizing modern entrepreneurship, moving from "hustle till you drop" to a more empathetic, sustainable approach. Mission-driven businesses like ours realize true success ties directly to the well-being of everyone involved.

Here’s how I see it:

• Prioritizing Well-being: Companies now offer wellness programs; organizations like ours are meeting this demand with corporate and community offerings.

• Keeping it Real: The healing journey embraces authenticity. This translates to transparent business practices, building trust with clients who align with our values.

• Community First: Healing thrives in community. Modern entrepreneurs build businesses deeply connected to their local areas. At CYOP, our community initiatives led to over 1,500 direct touchpoints last year, showing the power of connection.

• Smart Growth: The "new hustle" is about sustainable growth. Diversifying revenue (e.g., professional development workshops) builds stable foundations. Our last annual report showed a 15% increase in diversified revenue, enabling us to serve 25% more individuals in need.

Ultimately, healing work shows that business is more than just profit. It's about financially sound organizations deeply committed to well-being, purpose, and making a real, lasting difference, creating a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.

Connect With Amanda

www.cyopinc.org

www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-kostura-93879a39

www.instagram.com/cyopinc

www.facebook.com/cyopinc