Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/434495
Think of your passion as a campfire—long after the fire seems to have gone out, you can stir through the ashes and find hot coals. Give them some attention, and soon you will have a fire going again. So, before you decide to hang up your holster and mosey off into the sunset, try these tips to get your fire burning brightly again. Remember Your Inspiration Why did you get into massage? What drew you to it? You probably had a great desire to help people— with their stress, injuries, illnesses, and routine maintenance. Those needs will never go away. How do you feel when your clients get results? Remember some of your success stories and recall how excited and fulfilled you felt when you made a real difference in someone's life. That client is happy you were there. Are you ready to make an impact for someone else? You never know the situation you may be facing next, even with a long-term client. Remember these things: • You are helping people who have pain. Some have chronic pain, and the relief you give helps them do more of what they want to do. Others have overworked their muscles, and you help them get back to where they want to be. • You help people relax. This is so important in our stressful world. You allow them time to decompress from the pressures they are facing, give their minds a break from responsibilities, and allow them to find the calm stillness they lack. • You help people learn about their bodies. You may have shown a client how a minor change in his posture or how he goes about his activities can have a big impact on how he feels. Clients can learn there is hope and that they are not stuck with the pain they have. • You provide safe touch. Touch provides comfort and connection, and reminds people they are not alone. • You provide safe space. Within your treatment room, clients can unfurl their physical and emotional secrets. Your willing ear may be the only outlet they have. And while you're not their counselor, and know that you must stay within your scope of practice, your willingness to simply "be" with the client can make all the difference in the world. You may be the only person who offers them comfort and care. • You help people overcome body issues by not judging them. Your acceptance allows clients to accept themselves. Act With Enthusiasm Your attitude toward your work can make a huge difference. Decide to focus on the positive. Yes, there will always be some negatives, but don't dwell on them. When I grow weary of the endless piles of sheets to wash, I instead try to picture smiling faces and bank deposits when I look at my full laundry basket. Concentrate on thinking about solutions instead of problems and soon you will discover creative options to solve those problems. When your energy and enthusiasm feel low, act like you have those qualities anyway. You will start to feel them, and your day will get better. You can be enthused by thinking about your clients. They have been looking forward to seeing you for days or perhaps weeks. You might be the person they most look forward to seeing! They are coming to you to feel better, and you can help them. 50 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5