The last three and a half weeks have flown by. The first week after closing my business was March Break here in Guelph, Ontario and so I took it easy and hung out with my kids. I did the same thing the second week, probably because I was in a bit of denial. And by the third week I was driving myself crazy in a state of see-sawing between my many roles as a mother, wife and entrepreneur. Naturally, I felt like I was failing in all aspects.
As a Registered Massage Therapist, being deemed unessential during this covid-19 pandemic seems reasonable. I don't love the feeling of being 'unessential' but I understand it. I would be lying though if I said I hadn't thought many, many times over the past few weeks about my choice of career and if any changes are in my future. The biggest hurdle in my mind is the fact that I cannot translate my skills online, which everyone else is doing. But I also realize - I don't want to! I love connecting with people and I believe in the importance of human touch. Massage Therapy dates back to at least 300 BC and was used by what was then considered to be what we would deem modern day doctors. Images of foot massages being practiced are found inside the pyramids in Egypt. All this to say, I don't think I'll be out of a job any time soon.
I do, however recognize how much I don't fit into the digital world. The noise out there encouraging business owners that "now is the time to sell" and "grow your business during the pandemic" feels insulting on many levels. It is obviously triggering because I have nothing to sell, but more than that it feels triggering because in my opinion that are completely missing the point! Which is why I have taken a social media pause. Our world needs a pause, like a long, deep tissue massage. Massage cannot be done online. As a Massage Therapist I don't have products or courses to offer. I have my hands. And I miss my work.