As I lay on the massage table feeling a mix of relaxation, soothingly long strokes from my massage therapist & then occasional pain as she worked on a stubborn knot - I had a realization.

Massages are the perfect metaphor for REAL self-care.

Who doesn’t love a massage?

Having your body carefully moisturized by expert hands as your therapist lulls you into a state of bliss.

We request these mini trips to heaven for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, our birthday or Christmas.

We seek the relaxation & relief that comes from getting off that table feeling like you had an hour long vacation from your life.

And yet - what is the actual point of a massage?

If you ask people who want massages - they may say “relaxation”.

If you ask the massage therapist - they will answer “maintaining your physical health & calibrating your body”.

Self-care is the same thing!

When you think of the most widely accepted understanding of the term “self-care” you think “relaxation” or “me time”.

But that’s not really what self-care is all about.

Self-care is about how you are taking care of yourself on a REGULAR basis to maintain your energy levels & keep you running smoothly through your life.

Massages are the same thing. They are not meant to be all relaxation all the time.

Can they be? Yes.
Is that the purpose of a massage? No.

A massage is meant to help your body get back to its most natural state. To remove the knots that have developed due to stress & overwhelm and help deliver you to a more whole version of wellness physically.

If a therapist is doing their job, there will be moments of pain as they work out those knots. No pain, no gain - amirite?

Same thing with self-care.

Is it always about relaxation? No.

Sometimes self-care means setting boundaries with people you care about.
Painless? Not so much.

Sometimes self-care means getting up early & getting your workout in.
Pleasant? Not always.

But will the effort be worth the payoff? ABSOLUTELY!

So remember, my friends - self-care is like a massage.

Painful at times, blissful at times, but totally worth it in the end.

💙💙💙

Sharon Blue, MS