Congrats. My answers below; just celebrated year one of self employment. Often doesn't feel like I imagined.
Why started:
1) Age: Start now or never
2) Independence: Prove I could scratch out my own living
3) HN: Seemed possible
Happiest:
1) Any "go live" part of projects
2) First inbound wire transfer
3) Meeting interesting people and so much free help
4) Running errands mid-day without crowds
5) Being available for family
6) Realizing survived a year; feels like experiment worked
Why started: 1) Age: Start now or never 2) Independence: Prove I could scratch out my own living 3) HN: Seemed possible
Happiest: 1) Any "go live" part of projects 2) First inbound wire transfer 3) Meeting interesting people and so much free help 4) Running errands mid-day without crowds 5) Being available for family 6) Realizing survived a year; feels like experiment worked