People often tell me that I have an amazing gift.
I’m always a little baffled when I hear that. Not to sound self-deprecating, but what does that mean? What do these well-intentioned folk mean by ‘gift’? A special talent? Something that was bestowed upon me by some greater power? Something I was born with?
Or is it something that I cultivated?
I wasn’t born a reflexologist, and neither was I born an inspiring teacher.
I cultivated skills to be able to do what I do. And, these skills were acquired later in my life.
I didn’t have a clue in my earlier years what I ‘wanted to be when I grew up’. I just kind of followed my nose and did whatever interested me. That road eventually led me to formalized trainings in subjects such as herbology, nutrition, meditation, aromatherapy, personal growth, massage therapy and yes, reflexology.
The one thing I did know at a very early age was that I wasn’t cut out to be a school teacher (boring), bank teller (hate math) or nurse (fainted at the sight of blood). And those were the only job opportunities placed in front of me! That was it!
I knew that I didn’t want a job that just paid me. I wanted to derive meaning from my work and I wanted to look forward to getting up every morning to do that work. I wanted to contribute something of value.
Does this sound like you? Do you yearn for more than just work? Do you want what you do to matter? And to be rewarded monetarily for your time and skill?
Well, you can have that. No matter how young or old you are, how healthy or unhealthy, how confident or not so confident. If you hold a sincere desire to heal yourself and through that process to touch the lives of as many other people as possible to help them improve the quality of their lives, then you can fashion a life for yourself that matters.
I know you can – because I did!
My real passion is to inspire others on their chosen path of self-inquiry. And yes, I realize that path may not be a career as a practicing reflexologist.
Participation in the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification may turn you in another direction. That’s fine with me. And that’s because the mission of the Academy of Ancient Reflexology is to create an environment in which people learn how they can improve first the quality of their own lives – and then others – through the vehicles of reflexology, aromatherapy, service and self-awareness – or – perhaps not.
The 2019 Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification starts April 4 in Gainesville, Florida. Join me for a comprehensive course like nothing you have experienced before.
I too get this sort of comment. For me it feels like it is the lovely juxtaposition of passionate interest in the craft combined with continuous learning & curiosity and a soupcon of serious desire to help.
20 years of clinical practice doesn’t hurt. Love, love, love reflexology!
Awesome way to connect with the world.
Like you, Donna, I feel blessed to spend my life offering reflexology.
Thank you Karen for your inspiring words. As a retired registered nurse and new reflexologist in a smaller city community, it is strengthening to hear your words of experience and encouragement.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Donna. Identify ‘why’ you are doing what you do, and just stay focused on that. Before you know it, people will be talking about you!!