My professional mantra has evolved to include being calm, strong, grateful, and present. This year I am adding joy. You might think this is an old professional focus. But trust me, after over 20 years in the business, I find it extremely important, if for nothing else, to prevent burnout.
My therapy style is form and function-based. My clients are primarily Aging Amateur Athletes. Now, if you don't work with AAAs, let me fill you in. They are intense individuals. They are intense about their workouts, their bodies, their recreations, and their professions. They demand the most of themselves and their support systems. They are constantly challenging themselves and me. They expect me to be available, well trained, knowledgeable, goal-oriented, focused, and intense. And I love it!
Last year I was lucky enough to have my private practice increase significantly. 2010 was full of intense and demanding work focused on relieving client discomfort and keeping optimal training and physical challenges. Unfortunately, during this goal-driven intensity, we sacrificed some of the celebration and joy. For 2011, I am committed to achieving a workable balance between meeting the goals and stopping to smell the roses, lavender, litsea, mint, etc.
My plan is simple: therapeutic spa has always been an important modality, and now it will be my tool for delivering joy. No matter what, I will end every session with a mental tickle like Fire and Ice. This is simply utilizing heat like stones or packs followed up with a light application of Polar Lotion on a specific area, like feet or the back. It really does almost feel like a tickle, and it always brings a smile to my clients face.
Join me in committing to bringing the joy of the spa into your treatment room and share your experiences with us so that we can all celebrate.