Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/70065
I felt about the spa closing and all the related details just fell away. Ever since, I've found it much easier to deal with those unpleasant realities in my life. I've also become much more diligent in keeping up with my exercise routine and maintaining a healthier diet and lifestyle. I know I must keep myself in the best shape possible and take care of the only body I have. And I've learned to appreciate the simple pleasures and blessings of life I previously ignored or took for granted. A few months after Norm died, I began working with Brad, another ALS patient. Though his physical condition was actually much worse than Norm's had been—he had absolutely no movement ability anywhere in his body and could not speak without the assistance of a special computer—Brad always brightened my day with his smile and positive energy. I could sense the frustration he lived with by being almost totally dependent on others, but Brad always made me feel better when I was around him. Most memorably, when I arrived for our third appointment, Brad had a surprise waiting for me. He'd had a compliment about how my work helped him, programmed into his computer. This was something he probably could not have done alone, and I realized he must have thought about it quite a bit between our visits. As I listened to the mechanical voice say how much he could tell I loved my work and taking care of people, tears streamed down my face. To know that I had made a difference in Brad's life was unbelievably rewarding and touching. That fact that someone in his condition would make the effort to make me feel good about myself was so meaningful and humbling to me. I will never forget it. Since working with these two special clients, I have felt empowered to take charge of my own life and health in a much more proactive way. What means most to me is making a difference in other people's lives and making each day of my own life count. Seeing Norm and Brad's struggles and frustrations up close made me see that my financial problems were quite manageable, and I gained a new perspective on my own priorities. Money is not at the top of the list. What means the most to me is making a difference in other people's lives and making each day of my own life count. Being a massage therapist continues to be a way for me to achieve both of these. BEING A SURVIVOR Since I closed my last spa I've had many difficult days, but I am so much happier now. I rarely wake up with a sense of dread or fear about what will or won't happen at work. I feel a lot more optimistic about my life and future than I did in those few months the high-end spa was open. And I still get to make a living doing what I love. The other work I truly enjoy— writing, consulting, and teaching—is flowing into my life in a steady stream and keeping my bills paid. By letting go of a business that was not bringing me joy or prosperity, I made room and time to again do something else I really love—helping others succeed. Now that I have had both incredible success and marked failure in the world of business, I can also offer a truly well-rounded perspective and realistic expertise to my consulting clients. To be fair, my struggles could have been much worse. After all, I didn't lose my home, health, husband, or any of the people who really matter to me in my life. I haven't gone hungry or been without clothes, and my beloved dogs haven't run away. I've found out who my real friends are and realized yet again just how much they mean to me. I have emerged on the other side of the crisis. Yes, I'm a little worse for wear, wary of risk, and a bit tired, but I am still alive and kicking and have rediscovered that I am a true survivor— someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to get through the difficulties of the moment to find a better place—and keep learning along the way. I have also come to the realization that no matter what happens with the economy, I will come out just fine because I can depend on myself and my own inner strength and resources to pull me through. We all have issues and problems to deal with in our time on this earth. Whether you face struggles in your massage practice or personal life, there are some days when things can seem unbearable. In these economic times, we've all been reminded how much of a challenge life can be. But whatever your situation in your business or your life, I believe that like me, you are a survivor and you, too, can and will do whatever it takes to make it through. and consultant. She's a contributing author in the third edition of the Thank God I ... book series scheduled for release in October 2010 (Thank God I Went Bankrupt). Contact her through www.spalutions.com. Felicia Brown is an author, educator, connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 47