Long time no see!

     A lot has happened since my last post.  Right around Christmas 2010, I did a marketing campaign similar to the Groupon.  I sold over 300 massages for half price and redeemed most of them before June.  It was a wild ride!  I met lots of interesting people, and gained many regular clients.  Although tiring, I'm glad I did it.  In the middle of my Groupon experience, I started feeling really tired. I started keeping a few hours every afternoon free so I could take naps.  I figured I was tired because of all the massages I was giving.  It turns out, I was pregnant!  

It's been a great experience for me to practice what I preach in my career as a therapist.
I always tell people to take care of themselves and to encourage self awareness of one's body and feelings, now I've had the best kind of opportunity to listen to my own body and discover my limits as my pregnancy progresses.  I'm amazed on a daily basis at this little growing child in my belly and how gentle we both are to each other as I do my best to pay attention to him and give him the nurturing he needs.  
     I'll work until December 10, then take a break for a while to nest and snuggle up with the newest addition to our family (due December 22nd). I plan on coming back in March to resume my work schedule on a part time basis.
     Until then, I hope to resume my blogging habit with a few posts now and then. 

Rotator release!

This weekend I attended a class on releasing the rotator cuff.  A weakness in one of these muscles can cause pain in other areas of the shoulder, neck, arm or wrist.  To learn this subject, students practiced on each other.  We focused on locating each muscle and rocking the upper body to help relax the tight spots.  I was amazed at my shoulder's improved range of motion and how much better it felt after just one practice treatment.  If you experience pain around your shoulder, a few rotator cuff treatments might be beneficial; and to sweeten the deal, I will give you %30 off your first one!

Staying Sane this Season

This time of year, the to-do list just seems to get longer and longer!  How do we stay ahead of the game and  keep a calm attitude to enjoy the holiday cheer?  One day at a time.  Work on a little bit every day and remember to take care of yourself.  If you are worn out and trying to help others, how effective will you be?  Take some time to shut your eyes and clear your mind with a few deep breaths throughout the day.  Go to your special place.  You deserve it!

it's all about choices

Drama.  An event familiar to me growing up with four sisters.  There was never a moment when one of us wasn't creating it and sweeping the rest of us up with them.  When emotions are tender, things seem more personal and life feels upside down.  Recently, a friend posted Facebook: "Can't life just be drama free?"  I commented "yes."  Of course you can live drama free!  Choose to refuse drama.  People can ruin their lives by taking everything personally.  You can choose to take things personally, or you can choose to shrug it off, send out blessings for a good day, and carry on.  We all have choices in life, and living drama free is one of them.

when all else fails, forgive

I carry guilt about the way I've treated two of my oldest friends. 
With one, we have overcome how mean we were to each other and have moved on.  We still have our drama moments, but many times we both end up apologizing about it.  

The relationship with my other friend is still tender even into our thirties.  When emotionally challenged by the other, we fall into the same roles we had as teenagers.  When this happens, I feel  ashamed.  My intent was to approach the situation with compassion and love, but I end up sounding pushy and frustrated.  I want to tell her I'm on her side but the more I try to vocalize that, the more I get shut out.  The more I get shut out, the guiltier I feel about my inability to give her what she needs.

I try my best to make things right when maybe I don't need to make any thing.  Maybe I need to forgive myself and let the cards lay where they fall.  

When forgiveness occurs, there is room created for positive change.

Holistic Mission: to play

Just recently I learned how to hula hoop.  When I finally got that hoop to stay up above my hips I was all smiles!  I wanted to share this playful experience with others, so last night Moon Valley Therapy hosted a hula hoop making party.  When the hoops were assembled and taped, we went out and hooped on Broadway.  A lot of people were downtown, so we let passers by borrow hoops and we hooped all over the sidewalk and stood on the planter boxes on the corner.  People were honking and waving as they drove by with big smiles on their faces.  It was a great way to interact with people and spread some good clean fun!

Happy Birthday Moon!

A year ago today, Moon Valley Massage became a reality!  During this year, I worked two jobs, gradually putting more time into massage and less time into the City.  Yesterday was my last day working for the City of Columbia.  I am so grateful to have been a temporary employee with no benefits and a flexible schedule!  This allowed me to get used to paying for my own insurance, holidays and sick days.  It also allowed me to come and go as my massage business grew.  I look forward to advancing my skills and having regular hours at the massage studio:
Mon - Thurs  10:30 am - 6:00 pm
Fri/Sat  by appointment
In honor of Moon's one year birthday, I'm offering 30% off for the month of October.  Come celebrate with me!