My Vision- Answering the question, Why?

As many of you know, I have been attending Utah College of Massage Therapy for the past 10 months. (9 weeks left!!) Last night we had our Professional Development class, which lets be honest, for a hands-on girl, looking for ANOTHER hands-on career, its NOT my favorite class. It has its benefits, learning about interviewing, resumes, having a private practice, etc. Last night, its focus was on having a Private Practice and honing in on our vision and how to get there. As my instructors shared their vision, both of their experiences hit close to home... Feeling like you could do more in life and feeling that some things needed to change. They both had such passion that I wanted to cry (Big surprise, right?) listening to their stories. Anyway, my instructor asked each of us to share with someone why we are here?, why Massage? Here (in this blog) is my outlet! So, here is me answering the question, why?
I am the oldest child of 4. Growing up, with both parents who worked full time. I was always in charge! There are very few times I remember having a babysitter, it was always me. Because of this I have always felt a need to be responsible for them, to watch and protect them. Even as they are married and 2 of them have little ones of their own. I have always been able to put myself in their shoes, to feel what they are feeling and be extremely empathetic! Sometimes it's a curse! I can't watch a movie without getting emotionally involved!
I watched my Aunt Kristine do hair when I was younger, she would take me to work sometimes and let me sweep the hair and sit next to her while she rolled her cute lady in a shampoo set. I saw the joy in her client's faces! I loved the atmosphere! It felt like family! So, right away I knew I needed to be in that joyful, beautiful, career.
High School was not happiest of years for me. I had a great group of friends! I was a cheerleader and I always got good grades, (which was a great accomplishment because I knew finding xyz was not going to help me make someone beautiful!). But, I didn't seem to fit in any particular place, I was always in the background watching my friends move forward with their lives. So, I tried my best to graduate early, I took a few online classes, and discontinued cheer and my social life pretty much. My Senior year of high school, I attended Bon Losee Academy! I came out of my shell as I realized that holding the shears and comb in one hand came easy to me, cutting graduated layers, creating beautiful finger waves and updos all came easy to me! I had to teach some of my class mates how to french braid! I graduated from high school in May 2005 and then graduated from Hair School, tested and licensed in Oct 2005. Not too long after I worked in lehi at Tyson Anthony Salon. My boss, Kiauna took me under her wing and taught me more than I imagined was possible! Doing hair and making my clients feel beautiful inside and out made me so happy and I got PAID to do it!

I absolutely LOVE my career!! But I still felt like I could do more! I turned 21and made the decision to serve a mission. I got called to the Alabama, Birmingham Mission. I got so many opportunities to serve! My love for people in general grew!! And of course, when I got the hang of it, it was time to go home. When I came home. I started working at Stylin'.  I did not feel like I fit there at all! It was really odd for me, but I felt like I was too good to be there! I belonged somewhere else where I could learn from co-workers and grow more as a stylist. About 8 months later my old boss, Kiauna contacted me and told me a salon close to my home would be a great fit! The owner is a matrix Educator so I could keep up with the trends and continue to learn! Very soon after that I began working at Modifi Salon & Spa! I have learned so much and gained such an amazing clientele! I became friends with the massage therapists who started trading massages! I no longer felt tired all the time, my anxiety and stress levels reduced and I generally felt better! I have always had a fascination with human anatomy! I started asking questions to the therapists and started telling all my clients to get a massage!! One day it hit me! That could be me giving my clients massages! Why not? So I did some research and toured a few of the schools and when I came to UCMT I was home!! I knew I needed to do this! My passion for the body has grown. My passion for helping others to feel good as multiplied! I love knowing that I can make a difference in the way someone feels! So, in summary, why am I here? Because the hole I was feeling is beginning to feel whole! I may never be well-known or making the big bucks, but I CAN and will make a difference to everyone I meet! I want to leave this earth knowing I fulfilled my passion of helping others! I made a small, insignificant difference, that over time, makes people see how beautiful they are inside and out!  I want to help the busy mom's have a moment of quiet, the hardworking men to feel relief, to help everyone maintain a healthy life! 

I couldn't ask for a better life right now! I have the man of my dreams, we are planning the wedding of our dreams and our future family, I have my dream career and beginning another dream career! Thank you for taking the time to read about my vision and if your reading this you are a part of why I am here! So, thank you for being you and making my vision come alive!