The last week of massage school brings a lot of emotions ranging from happy to sad.
Happy to be completing a major life goal.
Sad to be at the end and saying goodbye to new friends.
Our Morning Glories graduate on March 2, 2022. As a school, we are beyond excited for their achievements. Last May, this group of 16 students joined massage school at a time of uncertainty in the world – COVID19 pandemic was just a year into disrupting our lives. The tension in the world was (is) palpable.
We call them our Morning Glories because they bring us joy each morning. As educators, we get to know them quite well – from hopes and dreams to fears and uncertainties. We do our best to help students navigate this brave new world they are setting sail upon.
One student, Melissa, has been writing a blog through her journey. She just posted her final thoughts on Week 40 and I asked for permission to share her final thoughts.
It’s finally here! The final week of massage school. It doesn’t seem real… After everything I went through to get to this point—not just the weeks in class and after class preparing for this 10 month milestone—but the time it took to decide to take that first step to even start this journey.
I had that spark in me for months before classes started, that inner war within my overthinking mind of whether or not I should take that leap of faith.
Looking back at how I was when I first started massage school and the trepidation I had in taking that first step. It took me a long time—over a year—to even begin. I had a lot of fears.
I was scared I wouldn’t be able to afford it. I was scared I would get injured. I was scared of starting something new at this point in my life.
Always telling myself “I should have done this ten years ago,” or telling myself “I’m so behind in life;” as though there are invisible milestone that dictated how my life should be. I’ve been telling myself these things my entire life; never satisfied with where I am. Never seeing my blessings, but instead seeing my failures.
Massage School has taught me so many things.
It’s taught me to not be afraid of the unknown. It’s taught me to accept who I am at this moment in time. It’s taught me that it’s never too late to take a chance and bet on yourself. My class was unique in itself.
Shari referred to us as a Unicorn class; a class that brought out the best in her teaching abilities. My class was unique because it came at a time of so much uncertainty in the world. At a time when the world seemed to be saying “hide inside, sit tight, don’t take a risk because nothing is certain.”
My class was unique because it came at a time of so much uncertainty in the world. At a time when the world seemed to be saying “hide inside, sit tight, don’t take a risk because nothing is certain.”
My class was full of people just wanting to start over. People wanting to find some peace in their lives and help others find that same peace.
My class was full of students ranging in ages from 20 to 63 years old… people at completely different stages in life, searching for a similar purpose and seeking healing through massage, connection and the healing power that comes from human touch and human interaction.
I remember feeling so conflicted the first few months of classes. I was having a war in my head because it had been a long time since I bet on myself. It had been a long time since I trusted myself and believed I had the power to change my life. I had believed for so many years that I didn’t have control of my destiny; that I was at the whim of other people, more important people.
I spent the last day of class making connections with people that have the same passion I do. I spent the last few days talking and sharing with my classmates; encouraging each other and sharing how much we’ve grown and impacted each others lives.
I’m leaving this chapter in my life with a new belief in myself and wanting to bring that power to others as I begin this next chapter; wanting to bring that encouragement and inspiration to others who will cross my path.
As a lifelong runner I’ve learned that no matter what your limits are or how much you’re hurting, the best thing you can do is just keep moving; even if you have to walk for a bit.
I want people to believe in themselves and not feel trapped by limitations, but see life as a gift that expands beyond the universe and has the capability to open doors they never thought possible.
I’ve been in a place before where I only saw my limits, where I was living to survive, rather than living to thrive. One of the saddest things I’ve seen is that people have given up hope. They’ve failed to see the immensity of the Universe and the immense power they have to create great things in their lives.
That spark, that hope, begins inside each of us, it starts in the mind and heart. It starts by setting intentions for your life, knocking away the limitations that hold us back and seeing the doors that can open up to a better and limitless life.
As we prepare to say goodby to our Morning Glories, we prepare for the next group that will begin their journey on March 15, 2022.
– Make things happen.
– Take your hope for a better life and achieve it.
– Take chances, make mistakes, try new things, learn, live and push yourself.
– Mostly, surround yourself with people who will help you, people who are authentic and genuine and will lift you way up!
All our best to the Morning Glories
xoxo
Shari Aldrich, LMT
