It’s just after dark on January 1. I’ve been wanting to write since I woke up this morning, but other tasks called for my attention all day. There was a last minute trip to the grocery store, the making of salad and Monkey Bread, preparing for guests. There was a New Year’s Brunch today, and I was involved. It was an assembly of things I don’t really enjoy, preparing food, being social, making small talk and such. But we push ourselves to do things for the people we love, right? And this was one of those times. Not surprisingly, I made it through just fine. Also not surprising, it was even fun.
I always watch for the reaction when I say, “I’m a massage therapist.” Sometimes the declaration is met with an eyebrow raise or a barely-perceptible flinch. Sometimes it’s met with an, “Oh, I love my massage therapist!” I’m finding more and more of the latter nowadays, and I’m so grateful for that.
In a few conversations, I got to be an ambassador for massage. I talked to an Occupational Therapist working in geriatrics. I gave a great referral to a man with a chronic vocal cord spasm issue. I’m hooking up a new friend from Boston with a Shiatsu practitioner.
And it all came naturally, with little of the social anxiety and stress I normally feel at these kinds of things. Yes, I still wanted to crawl into bed and nap for hours when the last guest left. Progress, not perfection. But the baby steps are significant and I think it’s really important to note them.
A year ago I wouldn’t have pictured myself here, pleased and happy after a social event with new people. I didn’t think I would ever feel comfortable and able to speak in an educated way about massage, without fumbling the thoughts and shying away. But here I am. It happened.
Anything is possible.
Whatever you think can’t happen, maybe it can. Whatever you think you’re not capable of, maybe you are. Perhaps change will occur without fanfare, as it did for me today. I hope to be more cognizant of the gentle baby steps that lead to these quiet successes. They are victories, really.
I hope 2012 is full of gentle steps and quiet victories for you, too.
With all my heart I wish you the Happiest New Year. Thanks for starting it with me.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
You always have a positive and unique perspective, thanks. We need to support each other more so we can find the good therapist out there
Agreed. Thanks for reading!
Hi Allissa – As it turns out for us your granddad Larry is my first cousin. Eleanor Haines told me about your website. I was visiting there with her the past 2 months. Now am back at home in Youngstown, Pa. I am also a massage therapist for the past 8yrs. Healtcare must run in the family. Enjoy your reading. Judith Madden
No way!!! Such a small world, huh?