Massage Organizations

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Massage Organizations

You probably don’t know much about me, why would you? I don’t fault you for that, we are strangers to each other. But I want you to know that my purpose in life is to help massage therapists flourish, grow, and love every moment of their career. This is why I live, why I work so hard.

I have dedicated my life to helping our peers so we can guide them toward a life of peace and prosperity.

I do this because my journey as a massage therapist has been horrible at every turn. The school I attended did not care about their massage program, the instructors lacked compassion, and the institution was not concerned about the success of their students. While I was going through school I was diagnosed with cancer, and though I was coughing up blood and could barely breathe I pushed forward. After graduating I had my right lung removed, then endured months of chemotherapy with the hopes of extending my life. After I learned how to manage my pain I returned to work as a massage therapist, but everywhere I practiced was a nightmare.

As therapists we all have varying stories, with interesting variables, but most have the commonality of existing in an industry that is a golden egg on the outside but rotten to the core. Many of us feel alone and lost. When we reach for help our hand is left empty, when we seek sweet words to soothe our soul all we receive is sour and bitter energy.

As massage therapists we need mentors to guide us, communities to help restore our love for life and professional organizations who are willing to hear our plight. Right now we are alone, without a voice and lost in the darkness searching for a guiding light. We need help. We need a hand to guide us, we need someone who understands.

We can be that someone. We can be mentors to each other. We can build communities to help restore our love for life and unite as therapists to create professional organizations who actually care. Many of our professional organizations are monolithic hierarchies that move slower than a snail’s pace. Instead of thinking about how they may serve their members, they have become obsessed with the deification of their own accomplishments, and perceived authority.

These massage organizations were built to serve you, to give the individual a voice, and to protect your rights as a massage therapist. When was the last time one of these organizations reached out to you to ask what you wanted? When was the last time one of these organizations included you in their decision making? In the six years I have been a massage therapist I have never heard these words. Even when serving on the board on these professional organizations, no one has ever asked me what I wanted as a member, or board member.

I want to serve as your lantern bearer, to help you walk your own path, so you may avoid the holes I have fallen into. I want you to live a full life, to reach for the stars, and achieve your dreams. Through the Discovering Hope Initiative we will unite those who need help, with those who want to help.

We can all be lantern bearers, we all have experience to offer, and wisdom to learn.