Focus on the New or the Old?

It is pretty much a given that all Bloggers post a New Year's Blog.  The question I asked myself was should I review the past year, or should I look ahead to the coming possibilities.  I'm certain that there are many ways to include everything such as writing two separate posts, following a timeline, or write before and after scenarios.  I wonder how you, my readers, feel about it.  Do you mark the new year with resolutions or celebrate that you survived another year?

I believe that we all need to review our past to a certain point.  I like to look at things and consider what I could do better.  There is always room for change, but I don't believe in waiting.  I try to make changes as I see the need, not on a special date or when 'everyone' else does.  That is the extent of my thoughts on resolutions.  I do wish the best for you if you choose to make them.

To look forward to the new year I have a project planned.  My husband and I will be creating a new massage room.  My current room is a little cramped and a larger room has become available.  It is empty and the possibilities are endless.  I plan to document the progress in regular blog posts.  I invite you to come along for the journey and make suggestions if you like.

The first step will be to prep and paint the walls.  We are planning a No VOC paint in a light green such as Beach Glass:

Dewmist Delight:

Flowering Cactus:

Delicate Frost:

Pick your favorite and leave a comment.  

Thanks for being a part of our lives.

Booking Appointments

If every time I heard someone say "I need to make an appointment with you" they actually made an appointment, I would always have a full schedule.  Unfortunately, this is usually followed by one of many excuses; i.e. 'I don't have my calendar' or 'I need to find a sitter'.  Comment below with the best excuse you've heard from a client for not booking a massage.  I will make recommendations during their session, but it is ultimately up to the individual.  I am not 'pushy' about booking appointments. I feel that a person knows when they are ready for or need a massage.

If it is a regular client, I give them a couple of choices that I know are available so that they can make a quick choice. If they aren't ready to schedule, I usually ask them to call me the next day.  I already know that they will book the appointment, it is just a matter of how soon. I have the same general times that I like to book my appointments, but for a frequent client I am willing to adjust my schedule occasionally.

If it is someone that I have not worked with before, I give them my business card and suggest that they review my web site.  This usually answers questions that they may have as well questions they haven't even thought of.  New clients are usually less sure of booking.  Even after they book an appointment it is more likely to be rescheduled or canceled.  Just like many doctors I have specific days and times that I will see a new client.  This allows me to set aside more time for intake and evaluation.  I want them to relax and become comfortable with me not feel rushed or anxious.

I like to keep things simple.  I use an on line calendar to keep track of my schedule.  I am familiar with how it operates and it doesn't cost me anything.  It syncs between my computer, my tablet, and my smart phone so I always have an up to date schedule.  I can set reminders for myself by email or notification and email confirmations can be sent to the client automatically.  This helps prevent missed appointments. Which is an entire topic on it's own to be discussed in a later blog.

Along with the excuses I'd love to hear how you respond to get the client booked.

Traits for Self Healing Part 10: Kindness Quotient

Part  10 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). The final topic in our series is Kindness Quotient.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Kindness Quotient 

The Dalai Lama has been quoted as saying that his religion is kindness.  It takes great strength and insight to live a life with kindness.  That is, an individual can only act with consistent kindness if her heart and spiritual understanding are mature. Many times we find that forgiveness of others is only the beginning, and that it is more important to forgive ourselves.  Along this line, there will be some clients demonstrating behaviors toward themselves that are shy on the kindness quotient.  A practitioner's demeanor that exemplifies kindness can introduce a reality not yet acknowledged by a client.  A truly kind act can be powerful and change the world for an individual. A truly kind heart can change a neighborhood. A kind neighborhood can change a culture.  And what a kind culture can do is yet to be realized.  How is your mastery of kindness?--John Kroneck

Traits for Self Healing Part 9: Responsibility

Part  9 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). This week's post is on Responsibility.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Responsibility
Accepting responsibility for our interpretations, perceptions, and intentions of given situations is a vital dynamic to spiritual growth.  The act of owning responsibility  for our interpretations, perceptions, and intentions has a vibration and frequency of energy that colors our inner experience and the environment around us.  To be clear, we are not being asked to accept responsibility for others' interpretations and actions.  To know the difference is an important skill to develop.  As we embrace that which we are responsible for, we are more likely to become aware of opportunities to influence the respective state of affairs.  At the heart of how we perceive and interpret situations, as well as the intentions behind our actions, are the beliefs that we carry defining ourselves.  Accepting responsibility involves the willingness for self-awareness and the readiness to take action that adds value to the given experience.  How is your mastery of accepting responsibility?--John Kroneck

 I often perceive a situation to be in my favor when I really have no bearing on the outcome.  My perception and interpretation may be selfish or self-centered.  I feel that taking responsibility for my actions is much easier than taking responsibility for my emotions behind the actions.  When I take responsibility for my feelings I am better able to control my actions. Our interpretations can only come from what we have experienced and therefore our intentions tend to also be the same.

We are responsible for our actions, but NOT for how others react to them.

Everybody Deserves a Massage

Just wanted to share this video with my readers.

Enjoy the rest of your week and don't forget to schedule your next massage.

Traits for Self Healing Part 8: Inspiration

Part  8 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). Today's topic is Inspiration.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

INSPIRATION
Intention drives our creative processes.  Bringing into our awareness an inspired vision of who we are and who we are to become fuels the creation of an intentional reality.  When problems appear in our lives, there is a tendency to focus so intently on the problem that an individual may define himself by the problem.  This type of focus also drives our creative processes. Keeping our consciously chosen intention clearly in focus will help us move forward in a chosen future.  How we inspire ourselves is unique to each individual.  The key is to identify and engage in practices that help us focus on our highest and best selves.  How is your mastery of inspired vision?--John Kroneck

I believe that inspiration may have a small or large scope. It can be be anything from a recent continuing education class to new music causing you to  change your 'normal' routine.  When I was a child, my mother worked standing on her feet a lot and asked for someone to rub her feet. Today one of my main modalities is reflexology.  I have a set of black out curtains that I really love the pattern and color.  They do not match the color my massage room is painted. While searching for a rug to place in the room, I looked for something to go with the paint scheme. Instead I found a rug that goes perfectly with the blackout curtains. Soon I will be repainting the room. Michael J Fox inspires me to focus on the things that I can do, not my limitations. What or who inspires you?

Traits for Self Healing Part 7: Acceptance

Part  7 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). This week we are focusing on Acceptance.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:

• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Acceptance
Releasing is only part of the healing process.  The other part is to accept who we really are.  Can we accept who we are? Likewise, can we receive the goodness life has to offer?  Accepting ourselves without judgment can be cathartic; accepting our true nature, and therefore real potency, is empowering.  How is your mastery of self-acceptance?--John Kroneck

Do you focus on the negative or the positive? Do you worry that you can't do enough or do you accept your abilities?  For some people it is more difficult to accept their talents than their weakness.  Body image may also be a large part of acceptance. Society portrays that we should all be thin and athletic, but the majority of society are not.  Do you accept yourself as you are, or do try to change who you are?

Traits for Self Healing Part 6: Beginners Mind

Traits for Self Healing Part 6: Beginners Mind

We are on week 6 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). This week's topic is Beginner's Mind.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Beginner's Mind
This trait has to do with a belief that anything is possible that even preconceived ides, rules, or standards can change.  Once we think we know "the way things are" and that this cannot change, we block ourselves from recognizing other opportunities that may evolve with an issue. A beginner's mind is open to untold possibilities and is willing to give the creative process and opportunity to play itself through without rushing to a final resolution.  In the emptiness of the beginner's mind is found fertile ground for the unfolding of creative ideas, adventures, and even new life.  How is your mastery of the beginner's mind?--John Kroneck

 Have you ever heard someone say, "We've always done it that way."?  I believe that is the furthest you can get from a beginner's mind. I hope to always be a student; willing to learn new ideas.  What ways do you use to keep things from becoming stagnate?

Traits for Self Healing Part 5: Nonjudgment

We are on week 5 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). Today we are focusing on nonjudgment, a part of non attachment.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Nonjudgment
The ability to accept what we see in ourselves, without casting judgment, is also an important trait. Once judgment is cast on a feeling, thought, or intention that emerges from within during a healing process, there is a tendency to easily slip into self-shaming. Human beings are capable of a wide range of feelings, thoughts, and intentions, but some of these are not always considered "holy" in their nature. Having the ability to own these and to accept these as indicators of an issue on our journey, without casting judgment, allows for us to move beyond these dynamics, releasing the misqualified energies and reintegrating in a healthier manner.  Although we are always responsible for our actions toward others, the inner healing process must have room for us to be honest with how we interpret the world we live in.  This room expands when we understand the benefits of nonjudgment, then practice it well.  How is your mastery of nonjudgmental thinking?--John Kroneck

Traits for Self-Healing Part 4: Nonresistance

This is the fourth in a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). Today we are focusing on nonresistance, a part of non attachment.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• non-judgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Nonresistance
There are times when the tendency to protect ourselves from the perceived danger of revealing a truth about ourselves can take precedence over the desire for seeing the truth.  This resistance to what is occurring can frustrate a client's progress.  Nonresistance is the willingness to experience whatever dynamic may show itself.  It includes having the courage to directly face fear, pain, and shame without shrinking from the experience.  It is also a critical tool in moving through what we fear in the quickest, most efficient manner possible.  How is your mastery of nonresistance? -- John Kroneck

I interpret this as denial. A client may not want to tell their massage therapist  all of their recent activities or even admit to themselves that they spent 5 hours playing video games the day before their massage. This information could help quickly pinpoint the source of a client's pain, anything from poor posture to repetitive motion injury. This can also come in the form of an injury that may not be something massage can effectively treat, but the client not wishing to visit their doctor and have diagnostics done schedules a massage instead.
I would also consider guarding in this category. I find this most often in shoulder range of motion. As I move the arm upward the client will tighten up to avoid previously felt pain. This action prevents the therapist from observing where the limitations are and to what degree. Communication is crucial at this point as well as trust.

How do you interpret this trait?  How would you try to improve your own nonresistance and encourage it in others? 

Traits for Self Healing Part 3: Awareness

This week brings us to Awareness, part 3 of an ongoing series based on "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork').  If you have not been following along, that's alright, just jump in here and then click the links to review the previous blogs.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• non-judgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Awareness
Pure awareness is shown in the ability to notice without letting the mind fill in the story that seems to be involved. There are times we are pulled off awareness because we think we know what the next step is and then start projecting what we think is true. Once this happens, being aware of the present moment is lost. The action of being aware is simply noticing what is taking place without projecting our own beliefs, desires, or ideas on the issue. There is an intimate interconnection with the actions of awareness and present moment. That is, to be in the present moment, we must be aware of the moment. Likewise, when our awareness is pure, we find ourselves living in the present moment. How is your mastery of being aware? -- John Kroneck

Have you every driven home from work and then wondered how you got there? You know the way so you don't even think about it; you are not fully aware. What happens when there is an accident or construction and you are required to take a different route? You no longer know what is next and therefore must be more aware of your surroundings and what you are doing. 

As a massage therapist have you become set in a certain routine? Do you always start with your client face down? Have you been lost in your own thoughts and can't remember if you worked on a certain muscle or for how long you have been holding a trigger point?

During a conversation are you listening to everything that is being said? Or are you already thinking of your response? 

Leave a comment with ways that you stay aware.

Traits for Self-Healing Part 2: Present Moment

This is the second in a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). These traits are important for self healing as well as helping others:

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• non-judgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Present Moment
The only reality that we function in is the present moment. To be fully present with what is occurring at this moment leads to clarity of understanding, choices, and actions. All life exists in the present moment. Our past has been altered by our changing memories; even the original perceptions may have been skewed to protect our ego. What is real is what is happening only in the moment. Therefore, it is by being present in this moment that we can effect change in our lives. How is your mastery of being fully present in the moment? -- John Kroneck

Do you live in the present? Or do you spend more time in the past or future? While on your morning commute are you paying attention to the traffic around you? or dwelling on the argument you had with someone the night before? or are you thinking about what you need to do at work that day? Multitasking has it's benefits; one of which is to save time so that you can live in the present moment. While having dinner with your family are you intent on the conversation and interacting with them?

As a therapist are you in the present moment with your client? Do you feel when the tension leaves their body? Do you notice from their body language when you hit a tender area even if they don't tell you? Or do you let your mind wander away from the present? Are you thinking of what to wear to dinner later instead of how you are draping your client?

As a massage client do you stay in the present moment during your massage? Do you give feed back to your therapist? Or do you let your mind drift? 

I invite everyone to leave comments answering how well you live in the present moment and what things can we all do to focus on the present moment? 

Traits for Self-Healing Part 1: Stillness

I recently read the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork').  In it he lists 8 primary traits necessary for healing; two of which are subdivided further into 2 more specific traits:

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• non-judgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

I believe that each trait deserves attention and would make great discussion. So, over the next ten weeks I hope that you will all join me in focusing on them one at a time.  I will start with a quote from the article:

stillness
For a majority of people, one of the most difficult things to do is to be still.  This could be because the mind has so many stimuli today, but it may also be that being still is frightening.  To be still means that pain has time to show itself without the distractions of life.  Being still within our consciousness opens healing avenues as it stimulates an alignment and integration of the body and its systems.  How is your mastery of stillness? -- John Kroneck

Think about how this applies to you. When are the times you are still?  If you can't think of any, try it now. Find a quiet place, turn off the electronics, and calm your mind.  What occurs during that time?  

If you are a therapist, how do you help your clients in this aspect?

I will start the discussion by leaving my thoughts as the first comment.  I can't wait to hear what everyone has to report.  

Remember to come back next week for the second trait: present moment.

Going for a Ride

It is understandable that our American Eskimo dog, Suka, gets nervous when  he sees his harness in my hands. He rarely wears a collar or harness.  He gets trips to the vet or groomer and an occasional walk around the neighborhood. We have a fenced backyard to let him run and play in without restriction.

I am trying to alleviate his anxiety with more walks and occasional car rides.  When my loving husband needed to get gas in his SUV, he reluctantly agreed to taking the dog and I along for the ride. There have been instances of car sickness in the past, but only when I was taking him somewhere alone.

Suka first ran away from me, and then slowly crawled toward me, finally he let me put his harness on. Then he crawled into my arms and placed his head on my shoulder. I carried him (32 lbs) outside and placed him in the back seat. My loving husband placed me in the front passenger seat (as he always does) and went around to the driver's door while Suka barked at him. Once everyone was settled we headed out.

Suka circled in the seat a few times and laid down, but before his muzzle even rested on his paws he was sitting up again looking out the window. He crossed back and forth looking out one side and then the other. I suggested that we put the window down to give Suka some air. My loving husband was trying to keep one eye on the dog and one on the road. I'm not certain which one of them was more nervous.

As we pulled up to the pumps I heard growling from the back seat. Evidently the other customers were too close. Suka is rather territorial. My loving husband gets out to pump the gas. Suka went crazy, barking  and scratching at the window. I called him up front with me, but he just wanted out with 'his human'. Once my loving husband got back into the SUV Suka calmed right down.
Suka sat and watched out the window during the trip home. 

Suka became excited again as we pulled into our driveway. My loving husband opened my door and helped me out of the vehicle, and then opened the rear door to let the dog out. Suka jumped out, ran through the front yard onto the porch, and waited at the door to be let in the house. 

It was a good ride, but I think that we have many more to go before Suka learns to enjoy them.

Just a quick note to tie this event to massage:  Sometimes, like Suka, people link certain items to emotions. It may be a place, like a doctor's office or an article of clothing, such as a lucky shirt. These things create a physical response for people due to past experiences.
Leave a comment about what items trigger a response for you.
A regular massage can create a positive response. Just entering the massage room or lying on the massage table can cause the body to begin to relax. The sooner a person relaxes; the more beneficial a massage can be.

Car Inspection

The simple choices don't always work out the way you want them to. I am feeling good this morning and need to take care of my neglected car. The state inspection was due last month so that comes first. (Don't judge, I was out of state when I noticed it.) I pull into the station, wow, no one in line! Less than two minutes, the inspector comes out. Great! Right away he says that I need new wipers. Do I want him to do them($$$)? Or get them around the corner at the parts store($)? There's no one in line behind me. I'll be right back. It only takes 5 minutes to get the wipers and change them out.  I drive back around the corner to see a car in the bay and two more in line. I wonder what it would have cost to save an hour waiting in the cold and just let them replace the wipers...
The next stop will be to have my oil changed. Maybe I should ask if they can just do that here....

UPDATE:  Turns out that it doesn't matter; they rejected my car anyhow. The front brakes need replaced. It seems like I just had the brakes done on the car, but that was a year ago and only the rear brakes. Oh, and the inspector mentioned that I would need new tires soon. The tread on the front is thin and the rear tires are starting to dry rot.  The good mood that I was in this morning is fading fast. I think that I will just skip the oil change for today.

UPDATE 3/20/2013:  As I have stated in past posts, things tend to work out for the best if I let them. I took my Baja to the Subaru dealer yesterday to have the front brakes repaired. It turns out that they were in worse shape than I understood and need to be replaced; rotors and all. Since I am planning a trip in a couple of weeks I also requested them to change the oil and do the state inspection so that I don't have to make time to return to the previous inspector. During this process they found more wrong than I could have imagined. An oil seal and the water pump have been leaking onto the timing belt. (I've had a timing belt break in a previous vehicle. The entire car just stops dead; irregardless of when or where you are.) The transmission fluid was black. Stop and go traffic will do that to a vehicle quickly. Rotating the tires will take care of that issue for now. A couple other things that I don't remember, but have written down. So three days and $2500 later; my Baja will be ready for that road trip. I would rather find out now and have it fixed than find out on the road somewhere in the mountains or on a toll road with no help around. 

Taking care of Things before it becomes an Emergency

The front load machine we were using had a bearing going out. It still operated OK, but the spin cycle was extremely loud. Even with the laundry room door closed, we were unable to hear the television or a conversation in the nearby rooms. The clothes came out clean and even with the noise the washer spun them fairly dry. The main problem was that we didn't know how long this would last.
We have an American Home Shield policy. (If you've never heard of this, I highly recommend that you check into home protection plans. There are several companies that offer this type of plan.) After procrastinating for longer than usual I called the 800 number and asked for service on our washer. The customer service at AHS set us up with a local repair company (SEARS) and scheduled a date and time frame (Mon. between noon and 5 pm) for a repairman to visit our home. The repairman called the night before to confirm and then again about 15 minutes before his arrival. He quickly diagnosed that it was a bearing. After a trip out to his truck, he reported that it would be at least a couple of weeks before they could get the parts and schedule a repair time. I paid the repairman our contracted repair fee, $75. He also reported back to AHS the problem and his recommendations. The following day AHS called with our options:

1. We could schedule the repair at no additional cost to us
2. We could choose a new washer model and AHS would ship it to us. We would pay them the difference above the repair cost. Depending on the model we chose this could be $0 to $$$$; and take several weeks
3. We could purchase a new washer locally and send AHS the proof of purchase. They would then send us the amount up to the repair cost (about $600)

My LH and I decided to do some online research first. We checked out different retailers and different manufacturers. We read a lot of reviews. We found out that the prices weren't much different between retailers. We also found that the bearing failing is a common problem among front load washers. I don't know if it is design problem or simply overloading of the machines, but if it happens once it is likely to happen again (my opinion).
My LH is a hands on kind of guy, so we next went to our favorite home improvement store (Lowe's). We opened & closed doors and lids, pushed buttons, turned knobs, and read descriptions. We compared prices, capacities, energy usage, and functions. We talked with fellow consumers and sales associates. We discussed what we needed, what we liked, and what we didn't like. We asked questions: Why is it on sale? Does it come in white? Is it in stock? When could it be delivered? Do you remove our old washer? Is that an extra charge?
We made our decision. Our new washer was delivered this morning:

New top load washer.

Now you may not think that other than clean sheets this has little to do with massage, but I'd like to point out the analogy for you. When an injury happens there isn't always a debilitating pain or loss of use. Sometimes it is merely an inconvenience. Someone may not be able sit or lay in a certain position. Sometimes there is pain, but procrastination results in 'getting used to it'. Maybe a person limps or can't reach as far or high, but still functions. The question then becomes, 'How long will this last?' or 'How long before this gets worse?'.

Using a sore or injured muscle can cause it to become worse and cause the supporting muscles to become sore or even injured as well. Taking care of the problem as soon as possible can result in a shorter recovery time and less pain. Most massage therapists will require a 72 hour wait after any injury before performing massage. During this time ICE (Ice, Compression, Elevation) is what I would do or my doctor's advise if different.  A severe injury does require a release from your doctor before massage may be performed.  

We don't get the option of a new body so we have to take care of the one we start with. Regular massage can help maintain a well functioning body. It takes longer and more effort to help repair a dysfunctional body.  

Thank you for stopping by today. If you liked what you read and would like to stop by again, enter your email address at the top of the page and I will let you know when the next entry is posted.

I have found that things tend to work out for the best if I let them. I was worried this week, because I woke up with a sore throat on Monday morning. It is a dilemma between possibly passing on an illness to a client or canceling an appointment on short notice. Neither choice is something I want to do.
As I was trying to make this decision I received a text from my Monday evening client stating that she was having difficulties and had made an appointment with her doctor for this week. She didn't feel up to coming for her massage. No problem, I agreed that it would be best to consult with her doctor before seeing me again. I had not confirmed the second client booked for Monday evening. She did not come for her appointment, because she was in the ER with a debilitating migraine. I would not wish that on anyone, but it worked out to my favor.
Tuesday morning brought on an earache to go with my sore throat. I did not have any clients scheduled, but my LH (loving husband) and I work BINGO at our local VFW on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Since I do the inventory on Tuesday night and have limited contact with people; I determined that it was OK for me to attend. I made it through the evening without any problems.
Wednesday morning I was feeling very poorly. I slept most of the morning hoping that I would feel better before having to get ready for my 2:30 client. Upon checking my phone messages, however, I discovered that she wouldn't be coming. Her Granddaughter was born in the early morning hours. She was out of the state. I was off the worry hook.
 I will leave out the details, but Wednesday night my condition was worse. I do not have any other clients scheduled for this week and will not be making any.  I am resting, drinking hot tea, and counting my blessings.

How do you handle situations when there isn't a 'good' choice? Do you hope for the best and let things work themselves out? or do you make a decision and take action?

I know that I should have called my Wednesday client on Tuesday and rescheduled. When you are a care giver, whether it be a mom, a doctor, or somewhere in between; it is difficult to remember that in order to take care of anyone; you first have to take care of yourself.

Stairs

I realize that it is time for an update on the business. The client list is growing. That has helped me increase from an average of one to two clients per week to an average of three to four clients per week. I have also had several clients increase their time from an hour to ninety minutes.  Things are progressing in the right direction.

I am do to renew my insurance at the end of next month.  Being a member of abmp is a great benefit. The monthly magazine helps keep me current in the massage industry. I can get discounts on products and services. They offer continuing education and marketing information. It is a good source for any questions I may have.

There are a lot more stair steps from the sidewalk to my massage room than I had realized. I traverse them daily and barely notice it. For someone who may be injured or who has arthritis the steps may cause a great difficulty getting to and from the treatment room. The step from the walkway to the porch does not have a handrail either. This may be our first project this coming Spring. Does anyone else have issues with where you get your massage?

Speaking of the stairs...I have always wanted to live in a home on one level. More and more I am given reasons to continue this desire. Recently my husband slipped on our stairs and bruised his Talus (heal). He required crutches or a cane for a week, because he was unable to bear weight on his heal without severe pain. He is doing much better now. Not to be outdone; I missed the last step as I was bringing the laundry downstairs a few days ago. I landed on my knee rather than my foot, bending all of my toes back in the process. I spent the day with an ice pack on my elevated knee and foot. The following day it was sore, but I had no trouble bearing weight. The proper treatment can prevent lasting discomfort. We have no intention of ever moving, but I still have the dream of living without stairs.

Communication

The following is a conversation that I recently overheard:

- We all agreed that we would be here every week.
~We said that we should be here every week.
- That's what I said.
~It's not the same thing.
- It is to me.
~Obviously not to everyone, or they would be here.

I had to laugh, because I can relate to this. While giving a massage I often ask "Is the pressure too deep?"  A common response is, "It's OK.". Well, that could mean a wide range of things; from, "it could be deeper" to "you're killing me, but I know that I need it".  I usually need to follow with a few more questions to determine how to proceed. To get the most benefit, communication is extremely important during massage. Ask questions and give feedback to you're therapist; especially if it is your first time working together. Over time a therapist and client develop better understanding, however, this is all the more reason for better communication. Speak to your massage therapist about any changes that have occurred since you last worked together.  Remember that mind reading is not a perfect science.

Following my own advice...

I wanted to let everyone know that I do follow my own advice. I am drinking water and soaking my feet as I write this today. Trying a Hydrogen Peroxide soak that I saw on Pinterest ( yes, I am addicted to Pinterest) . Usually I use Epsom's Salt for my foot soak, but wanted to try something different.

added heated stones to a foot soak helps to keep the water warm longer

The weather has been very erratic this year.  Today the temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The meteorologists are forecasting snow for tomorrow. Of course they also forecast snow last week, but we didn't see any where I live. The temperature has been like a roller coaster ride. That could be a contributing factor to the prevalence of people suffering from the flu virus.

If you are one of these unfortunate people, please, remember that influenza is a contraindication for massage. During the initial stages, when you are not sure if you have it or not, the influenza virus is most contagious. Getting a massage at this stage will make you feel worse and expose your massage therapist to the virus. This not only effects them, but potentially all of their other clients. If you are running a fever, or just don't feel well, contact your therapist to discuss the situation and most likely reschedule your appointment. I had this come up during my last trade. I did not have a fever, but did have an occasional cough and was feeling generally run down and achy. My massage therapist and I discussed the situation and decided that it would be in both of our best interest to not do the massage. I saw my doctor a couple of days later to find out that it was not the flu, but simply an allergy. Now we can do the trade and both feel good about it.

Well, my feet feel great! They are a little dry, but that is normal for me in the winter. Time for me to get my husband's feet soaking and put some lotion on mine.