It’s been three months since I’ve been out of work due to the pandemic. In the beginning, I was consumed with the logistics of suspending my business, packing and shipping my belongings across the US, and the heartache of leaving my friends, clients, and the place I called home for 22 years.
I’m doing well in Michigan but it has been an adjustment for sure. I’m 51 years old and this is the first time I’ve been out of work since I was 15! What’s weird is that I’ve been busier than ever as I study for my state board exams, research areas to open a practice and try to figure out what the best move is during these uncertain times. LMTs who have been allowed to reopened are facing many new challenges. Fewer clients are scheduling due to financial constraints, fear of getting sick, or they don’t want to wear a mask during a massage (I know, I wouldn’t want to). Then there is the risk we self-employed massage therapists take when signing a new lease during these uncertain times. The possibility of a second wave of COVID and government regulations shutting down a business again would be devastating. I know plenty of businesses that couldn’t withstand the first shutdown. Personally, I’m not ready to take that risk and I don’t think I could manage working while wearing a mask. Low-grade anxiety sets in when I have a mask on for more than 20 minutes, especially in a small room while working. So, for now, I’ll keep moving forward with getting my license to practice in Michigan and re-evaluate when things become more clear.
When I was working before the pandemic I felt secure, to a point. I knew my basic needs would be met as long as I could work but there was always an underlying feeling of vulnerability. Most of my concerns at the time were centered around a big earthquake hitting the PNW and how that would affect food supplies, bridges, transportation out of the city, sanitation, and civil unrest. So, I prepared my “go bag” and had my stock of food, water, and first aid on hand. I also worried about the angry man high on meth who lived next door and the many I encountered walking the nature trail near my house. My friend and fellow massage therapist was punched and knocked down just blocks from my office. She required surgery to repair her arm which put her out of work for over six months. I learned to cross the street when I saw a potential threat and to not walk alone on trails. If you know me, walking in nature is my favorite thing to do. It pissed me off that my vulnerabilities kept me from enjoying nature and experiencing life to it’s fullest. So, when I moved to Michigan, I decided to say yes to new experiences that would normally scare me. I also wanted to learn practical skills, physically get stronger, and learn how to defend myself. Being prepared is like a safety net, once it’s in place you can let go some, not worry about the risks so much, and live life with more confidence.
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” Anais Nin
Being strong and capable not only gives you the ability to protect yourself but also prepares you to help and protect those in need. As you may recall in the last newsletter, just in the last couple of months I learned how to disarm a gunman, how to escape a wrist grab, and other attacks. I’ve also learned how to jump a car battery, fix a toilet, how to surf fish, forage for grubs, teaberries, morals, and ramps. And I’ve planted a garden and learned how to remove a tick from my thigh without breaking off its head. Good Times! What the hell is up with bugs in Michigan? Don’t even get me started on the gnat swarms.
My latest accomplishment was learning the Fireman’s Carry which will come in handy if I take on a second career in wrestling and become a Big Time Wrestling Champ (keeping my options open). I weigh 124lbs and I threw Ava, my 114 lb niece over my shoulder like a giggling sack of potatoes (almost my own bodyweight!). Honestly, it wasn’t too difficult, it had a lot to do with body mechanics.
Here’s proof that I’m not all that strong….yet. Watch the video to see why you should start training with low resistance bands!
OK, check me out now!
Oh yeah, the other fun stuff I learned this month included kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, one wheeling, how to lean while riding on the back of a motorcycle while not peeing my pants. Thanks, SFM for challenging me to try new things. 🙂