“Are you having a mid-life crisis?” “Have you ever had or given a massage?” “I bet you just want to rub on booties!” These are just some of the responses I received when I told some of my close friends and family that I have registered for school to become a massage therapist. My initial response to those questions (besides a NO to that last one) was because I was tired of my job, and I did not want to keep doing what I am until I retired. Yes, the pay is good. Yes, its on my bucket list (#37) as to work my way up into corporate office as an engineer. But I felt as if I was missing something. My soul was yearning for more, but what?
I have been seeing friends posting on their Facebook pages on how they had just started their own businesses. They made it seem exciting, fun and they were the Masters of their own Domain!! It had peaked my soul’s curiosity. Could we do it? Were we brave enough? Tenacious enough? Did we have enough money in the account to keep us afloat until we made it? But the big question was - what was I good at that I could do and venture out on my own? *Insert cricket noises* Really? After all these years working, I cannot come up with anything? I called a good friend to have her cheer me up. I told her of my dilemma, and she suggested being a massage therapist. She said that the few times I have given her a massage, they have been relaxing and like that of the professionals she sees, minus some techniques. But there is something unique of how I do it. Unlike them, I can feel a certain energy coming from you. YES, that’s it! I am going to become a massage therapist and quit my job!
Orientation day came and I was excited like a kid on Christmas Day! The Director started off by having us tell: our name, a little bit about ourselves and why we are here. As my classmates started, I started to panic. Everyone’s story was deep, enthusiastic, spiritual. And here I am just wanting to quit my job. I started having doubts. Day Three: Swedish Prenatal class. The instructor hands us homework. It had four simple questions: Why are you here? What do you want to do with massage? Who is going to be your client? Where do you see yourself in 1, 5, 10 years? Was it too late to drop out? No, but I decided it was time to take a good look within. I could have easily become a Park Ranger and save me in tuition payments. But I choose this…or did it choose me?
That weekend, I watch hundred of YouTube videos on: Why I became a LMT, what your school won’t tell you, the Pros & Cons of massage therapy & videos of people giving all types of massages. Wow! But what I took away from these videos was the passion and the compassion each person had. That is what I wanted! I want to help people relax and feel rejuvenated and reinvigorated. I want to expand my knowledge and specialize in helping those with medical ailments, like cancer. And where do I see myself in 1, 5, 10 years? Who knows? But I know I will be showing compassion to all my clients and letting my passion shine thru my massages.
If you are an Avalon student interested in applying for the Dr. Sophie Rydin Scholarship, please click here.