Harnessing My Bookkeeping Business as a Tool for Healing and Transformation

Introduction

Bookkeeping as a tool for healing and transformation? Yes, and you're about to find that this is not my typical blog post, it's actually a heartfelt explanation of why I've made this career pivot (or return, more accurately). While it's quite personal and leaves me feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable, I believe that's how true growth arrives.

Bookkeeping gives many people these same feelings - vulnerability and discomfort - layered with shame, confusion, and a lot of frustration. For something that's based on the clear rules (aka, GAAP - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), it can stir up so many emotions. Emotions that most of us want to avoid yet are part of being human.

The Cold Reality of a Bookkeeping Business

Bookkeeping by definition is straightforward. There are seven steps that are systematically used to record the history of financial transactions. It can be normalized by thinking of it in terms of scrapbooking with the difference being that instead of photos we're using numbers. I find it much less intimidating to think of a scrapbooking album than an accounting software program or spreadsheet. 

What can also be relatable are the emotions both processes bring up, good and bad. Few people think of emotions when I tell them I'm a bookkeeper, yet consider the business owner, for whom each transaction represents gained and lost opportunities. There's wins and losses, celebrations and defeats, steps forward and also those that take us humbly backwards. This is what I see when I think of who I serve and in what way I connect with my clients.

The Emotional Part of the Process is Normal

The emotional process and benefits of the 7 Steps of Bookkeeping can be transformative, which is another reason that I consider this "business" to be a calling and vessel to serve my purpose. I know the negative side of financial chaos personally.

Over the past decade, I've divorced, had 7 surgeries with numerous physical complications, lost another relationship that I thought was forever, was out of work for months at a time, took jobs that were humbling and physically damaging, and suffered from severe anxiety and depression. Not to mention, due to the health issues and inability to work for so much time, I exhausted all of my financial resources. I haven't said this publicly, yet I know what it feels like to hit bottom all alone. The only reason I'm able to keep going is my faith in God and trust in the journey I walk with Jesus and Mary. I truly can't remember the moment or inspiration that led me into dusting off my accounting skills. This fog, I believe, is because it was God's Divine plan. I'm doing this for a reason much bigger than keeping the IRS happy.

One thing is absolute, everyone goes through seasons of life that are challenging (no, not all are financial) and break the damn that keeps our emotions in balance. These feelings are all completely normal and affect all of us.

With help, this cycle is more bearable. It's not the cycle that's off, it's the fact that many people think that they're alone. Asking for help is so hard yet ask one successful person if they made it alone. Not a single one can answer honestly that they didn't have help from other professionals, coaches, counselors, mentors, service providers, family, friends, etc.

By getting help from a bookkeeper throughout the year and then an accountant at tax season, you can run your business, serve your clients, fulfill your purpose, and feel empowered doing it. The sense of clarity that comes with understanding the flow of your funds not only is a huge release of emotional stress, it allows for better decision making and a more direct journey to success.

Serving a Higher Purpose

Easing the emotions mentioned above are how I see myself serving. Yes, a little unorthodox but Jesus Christ was a carpenter, as we all have to make a living.

My mission is to bring peace of mind and structure to the financial transactions of business owners who want to feel confident and in control. I strive to provide compassionate, judgment-free bookkeeping support that helps people move forward with clarity and purpose. Whether they’re starting fresh or cleaning up their books. With every client, I work to create space for healing, growth, and a deeper sense of alignment with their own calling.

We all have our own ways of serving. I went through a lot of financial hardship that I'm still working through despite my background in finance. Life has a way of throwing us off the smooth road for moments or seasons at a time. I don't know anyone who hasn't had their own struggles. For me, it taught me the emotional and physical weight that grows with financial uncertainty. If helping people ease one aspect of their burden through bookkeeping, then I have done God's work in a small way. Thus, my business is part of my journey in faith and trust.

Encouraging a Shame-Free Environment

Although progress has been made, there remains a mental stigma around financial struggle. It leads to isolation and depression, anxiety and - in some cases - substance-abuse. There are obviously ways around this yet it takes courage to admit to feeling vulnerable. For this reason, as I work with clients, I do my best to educate and clarify in a shame-free environment. Numbers are black-and-white yet there are many shades of grey when it comes to working with the people behind them.

My services are intentionally designed to be straightforward. I have an on-boarding fee* and three ways to pay, one by the hour and two in advance that offer a discount. I also am happy to schedule meetings as needed, to advise and assist for those who don't mind working on their own books. Essentially, I'm trying to create a safe space for people to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed or ashamed, as I simultaneously get my own business onto a solid financial footing. I too am healing.

Note: A bookkeeper works on your financial transactions throughout the year. An accountant is then, in most cases, only needed for the preparation of estimated taxes and at tax season.

*I have Discount Vouchers available for the On-Boarding Fee. Email me to see how to receive one for yourself or someone you believe I can help.

Conclusion

Is it far fetched to see bookkeeping as a spiritual journey and divinely guided work? Not when one considers the healing effect it can have on someone struggling with the burden and overwhelm of financial upheaval. Receiving clarity and peace, amongst the chaos of running a business and trying to serve your own clients, is incredibly empowering.

If this resonates with you, or if you have never considered the healing effects of hiring a bookkeeper but now are, then let's talk. Walking in faith takes many forms. This is mine and I'd be honored to help you on your own journey, one journal entry at a time.

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