Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/365665
18 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r 2 0 1 4 TELL ME … Accentuate the Positive Stay Inspired, Even on a Bad Day THE HUMAN ELEMENT Most practitioners come to the massage and bodywork profession because they truly care about helping other people feel better. The great thing about helping others is that it usually helps our own attitude at the same time—when it comes to kindness, giving is receiving. Kendra Smith, a therapist in Arkansas, knows this feeling well. "When my clients walk out after a treatment and tell me they feel so much better, I am reminded of how blessed I am to be in my profession," she says. "My clients' smiles are contagious and uplifting. I always leave my job happy." It doesn't always have to be about specifi c improvements in your clients, either. The simple act of letting go and relaxing into another human's touch does wonders for both the client receiving the massage and the therapist in whom that faith is placed. "The client on my table trusting me with her body and energy … that alone soothes the soul and re-energizes me," says Jacinda Cox of Indiana. So, the next time you're having an off day and struggling to create that tranquil space in your practice, try doing what Gordon Wallis in Alaska suggests: "When I'm down, I read an online review or testimonial [of my work]. It reminds me I can still change someone's life for the better." GREAT EXPECTATIONS Your clients invest their time and money in your services because they see the value of what you have to offer. While your bad day is certainly important in your own life, what's important to your clients is getting the experience they sought when they chose to entrust you with their care. "Some days—the really hard ones—I'm inspired by remembering I have an excellent reputation, and I need to work as hard as I can to make every session the best it can be," says Therese Schwartz of Oklahoma. "Some days, it comes ❱❱❱ http://abmp.us/LinkedInMT Make sure you connect with us to get your voice heard in next issue's Tell Me … @ABMPmassage www.facebook.com/ABMPpage http://abmp.us/ABMPgplus www.massageprofessionals.com mp ❱❱❱ How long have you been practicing massage or bodywork? 1–5 years 16% 6–10 years 31% 11–15 years 27% 16–20 years 15% 21+ years 11% 50 years .002% @ABMPmassage By Abram Herman ABMP Social Media and Marketing Coordinator abram@abmp.com one practitioner! ABMP Facebook Poll