Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/434495
Have Passion for What You Do "Do what you love, love what you do." Prema Lindsay Smith, owner of Inner Balance Therapy in Ann Arbor, Michigan, readily admits she is fortunate to live by this mantra. "I believe this path chose me," Smith says of her 42-year career as a massage therapist and educator. In fact, the path may have been unveiled to her during a yoga retreat in New Mexico, before she ever considered massage as a profession. "We were in silence and the yogi walked by me, stopped, looked right into my eyes and then at my hands. He said, 'You will be a good healer.'" It was soon thereafter that Smith offi cially began studying Swedish massage through a mentoring relationship in 1972. "I thought it would be an interesting adventure for a short period of time," Smith says. Now, having taught with and assisted some of the profession's most notable educators (including the late Robert King, cofounder of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy), and adding nearly 2,000 hours of continuing education to her repertoire over the last 42 years, Smith says the profession continues to nourish her. "I am grateful that I can assist people to become healthier, and to be a positive infl uence in my clients' lives," Smith says. "In return, I have learned to take better care of my health, and to become more diligent to be authentic." Throughout her lengthy massage career, Smith has found ways to add fuel to her fi re when needed, including earning a nursing degree and working in that fi eld for 16 years, while still practicing massage. She says it's her passion for learning that keeps her content, and her massage clients are her best teachers. "This profession nourishes my thirst to continue my education and my practice for many more years to come." Just as massage fuels her passion, Smith says it can offer something more for clients, too. "Massage can be more than something on the client's to-do list, and more than short-term pain relief. It can be instrumental in assisting the client to gain a holistic meaning to life that works [to bring health to] their body, mind, and spirit. In this light, massage and bodywork provide something that is both sacred and secular, whose effect can persist long after the session ends. It is this perspective, and my clients' dedication to wellness, that has sustained me through the decades." Moral of the story: Think about why you've chosen this path, then be true to the work. Appreciate it. Be authentic. While there are handbooks and websites full of ideas about being a successful therapist, no business plan or marketing opportunity will make a difference if you don't fi rst have the basics these veteran therapists describe. A balance between self-care and client care, the courage to create opportunities, perseverance for the long haul, and being passionate about the work you do—these make a great formula for success. Ready to give it a try? Karrie Osborn came to Massage & Bodywork magazine as the editor in 1998. She is now ABMP's senior editor. Contact her at karrie@abmp.com. F r e e m u s i c d o w n l o a d s f o r C e r t i f i e d m e m b e r s : w w w. a b m p . c o m / g o / c e r t i f i e d c e n t r a l 63 Prema's Top Tips 1. "Engage your active listening skills with all of your techniques. Keep a curious eye and be humble." 2. Focus on the positive. "Do not associate with colleagues who are negative; life is too short." 3. Follow up with clients. "With fi rst-time clients, I like to follow up with a telephone call or text in 24–48 hours to evaluate their response to the session. This gives a sense of completion and being thorough with the treatment plan." 4. Walk the talk. "I aim to make healthy choices in the company I keep, good nutrition, moderate exercise, yoga, and a positive attitude. If I wish to partner with clients in their desire to manage their health, I need to do the same." Prema Lindsay Smith (www.innerbalancetherapy.co) says her clients' dedication to wellness helped keep her massage business strong, even while others struggled during economic downturns. Photo by Stacie Porter.