Keeping It Steady

I've known I wanted to be in massage therapy since I was 8 years old. When I was 21 I found a wonderful school. I loved my experience! I learned a lot. Unfortunately for me I did not learn how to get over my testing anxiety and I gave up. I gave up for too long. I allowed so many things to stand in my way. Finally, after 15 years, I decided that I needed to go back to it. Part of it was that I was unhappy with my job and the other was the woman who was my massage therapist for 5 years telling me to stop making excuses and make it happen.

Over the last year and a half I've made some drastic changes. I got trained in infant massage, formal lactation training (not just breastfeeding my kids ;) ), passed my massage test and got my license, and took a course in prenatal massage (not something I ever thought I'd be interested in!). I also got pregnant with our 3rd child and quit my government job. It was a decent paying job, but I felt stifled and trapped. There were just so many things that were wrong about the place. I've been out for almost a year, and things have gotten better, but I haven't fully gotten off the ground with my business.

It isn't easy as just saying you are a therapist. You have to find a place to work if you can't afford your own office. You have to find someone who is willing to work with you. You also have to fight the prejudices of the state and cities. I'll get into that another time.

I'm now able to find an office with more than just massage to offer. My goal is to work with pregnant women and their families right through the first year of Baby's life and even beyond. So when am I opening said office? Well...as soon as I find one! There are tons out there but you have to something that A. meets your needs B. Is affordable C. Is in an appropriate area that will benefit your business. Taking on partners isn't easy but if you find the right ones it works. I've seen quite a few offices. I found one I really like but I just can't swing it on my own. One day...

Now I have an office in mind. It is just a room with a shared waiting room and kitchenette, but I hope it works out. I guess we will have to see.

I took that leap and it has been a long journey, but I know it will be worth it in the end. I'll find my place. I'll find my vibe and I'll rock it out.

What about you? What do you want to do that requires you take that leap of faith? Are you willing? Have you done it yet? Let me know! Tell me your story.