Happy Birthday To ME!!!

I am 27 today. Late 20's. Whoa!! I can accept it. Here's some life lessons, from yours truly. Warning this is probably going to be a long post.

I feel like a woman. It sounds weird.  But I've really embraced my spirituality, sexuality, personality, and all other "alities."  I've learned to not only accept myself but EMBRACE myself. People are so harsh on themselves. Learning to silence (or at least turn down) my inner critic has been key to self exploration. I've been able to do so many things because I've learned to not be afraid of myself, if that makes sense.

Learning to quiet the chatter in my head has introduced a whole new aspect of my life, spirituality. I've tapped into the spirit and my intuition. Originally, I had to learn to stay present to get through an hour of massage. It was so hard at first. I remember focusing on the time,the massage, or the conversation, but now I hardly talk to people and the hour goes by so fast. My hands know just where to go and I don't get in their way. Staying present during massage allowed me to bring that practice to other areas of my life. This has lead me to meditation. And meditation has changed my life. I meditate everyday (with the rare exception that I wake up late-I don't have to wake up very often). I love reading spirituality books- I'm pretty up on that scene :)  It's so nice to hear and read positive words that open my mind to new ideas and concepts. I've found the more I search, the less I know, but it's quite calming.

Talking about sexuality now...oooh taboo. Really though, I remember the days (not too long ago) when I couldn't even say the word 'sex' out loud. I would say "sess." I remember freezing when a make-out scene came on the t.v. if I was watching it with someone else. Not that this is bad, because it's not. I just feel comfortable now. And maybe that's because I talk about vaginas in midwifery class. or Maybe it's because I tell couples to have sex and both orgasm to induce labor. I don't know. I can't pin the time or event, but suddenly I am really comfortable with being a woman, having a body, and talking about it. Ladies, I've recently purchased a Diva Cup and am thrilled with it. And if you ever get the chance to go see The Vagina Monologues, do.

Leatha, a friend of mine who is Indian was raised very traditionally (Hindu). She was taught how to be sensual AND modest. This concept is mind blowing. I didn't know you could marry the two. Women are naturally sensual and there's nothing to be ashamed of and to combine that with modesty is an incredible combination. Let's teach this to our daughters. Please!

In addition to feeling comfortable with who I am sexually, I have been able to feel freer with my personality. It's okay if I want to wear red lip stick and/or flashy earrings. And it's okay if I think something irreverent is funny. And it's okay if I want to paint and listen to sappy music. I'm not afraid to do the things that scared me before. I've had so much fun finding my authentic self. I am more honest with people. I can ask for what I want. Communication is so much more efficient. I've had a great time working with and attracting the right clientele. Lately, I've been so blessed to work with people who appreciate my work and that makes my job so easy! I accredit this to being more authentic.

So to sum up all of this non-sense: I am really proud to be me. And I'm not trying to beat my own drum.  I  never imagined my life being how it is now and being okay with it. When I was 22 I thought women my age were flawed if they were single and that is insane. I have a fantastic and super fulfilling life and career. I have learned so many lesson and I don't think I could have learned these lessons any other route.  I am freaking 27 and single and oozing satisfaction. Happy Birthday to me.

Massage Apprenticeship Opportunity

Years ago, I apprenticed to get my massage license. It was one of those cosmic moments where the stars aligned and I was intuitive enough to be in the right place at the right time. Massage therapy has totally changed my life to the core and I am so grateful. I have met the most interesting people and had opportunities I couldn't have dreamed of having. 

Since apprenticing, I have always wanted to give back and apprentice some students of my own. The time has come when I have acquired enough hours as a therapist to begin teaching students. I am excited to be in a position to teach. I can apprentice two at a time, which is ideal for teaching. If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a massage therapist please refer them my way.

An apprenticeship program is a fraction of the cost of Utah College of Massage Therapy, it's a one-on-one learning environment, and apprentices can work while learning. In fact, I quit my 9-5 when I was an apprentice because I was making more money massaging half day than I was working all day. 

The perfect candidate for an apprenticeship program would be committed to putting in 15 hours a week to learning and working, is interested in health and wellness, and is self motivated. I got my massage therapist license in one year. There is now an extended option of two years, but honestly it's worth it to get it done in a year. 

I have a slew on information and resources to share. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Truly, massage is one of the best things I have ever done for myself and it's an opportunity to serve someone everyday. It's rare to make a living doing something that you love and that everyone else loves too. 

Fooled

I played an April Fool's Day joke on my dad. This story may not be that funny if you don't know him, but maybe it will... :)

My mom gave everyone a bag of Easter candy for conference watching. My dad ate all of his allotted candy and was begging me for my candy. I gave him some chocolate eggs and also a carefully sculpted piece of putty (thank you Heather) that looked like a chocolate egg. I had to leave the room because I was laughing so hard. So, no, I didn't see him eat it. We heard nothing. We were expecting some sort of reaction. But he played it cool. Heather went in and asked him how his eggs were. He said, "what you think I didn't know." Um, obviously not, because we found the piece of putty in the garbage can with chocolate teeth marks in it. I have rarely laughed so hard.