FAQ: Hey Amy, Just How Often Do You Get Massage?

I am asked on a weekly basis how often I get massage.  I’ve gotten to a point where I’m almost uncomfortable

answering this because the answer always brings about a smirk on the face of the person questioning me.

“Oh, you get to trade for massage so you get it for free”, they say knowingly.

But the truth is, I don’t have time to trade.  My life is busy.  My work hours are full and I fiercely guard my spare time.  There are some therapists trade and bartering works for.  As for me, I prefer to pay.

I always smile when I hear people tell me they just “can’t afford massage”.  I find it is a very telling statement.

I don’t begrudge anyone’s priorities.  We all have to be very clear where we stand on certain items so that we can wisely choose where to spend our time and money.  But if you are telling yourself that massage is an important part of self-care but you just can’t afford it, I must say that I beg to differ.

I will be very upfront with you.  On my income I get 2-3 massages every month for an average of $200-$300 out of my pocket spent on bodywork.  It’s a significant amount of money that forced me to choose between massage and doing a few other things I enjoy – like dining out more often and going downtown to hear live music several times a week .   For me, massage is a priority.

Sure, there are sacrifices involved.  But it is THAT important to my lifestyle.  I have seen and felt the profound difference it has in my life.

Massage was the first self-care I introduced into my life.  It was the first step in my journey to this juicy, delicious life I get to lead every day!  I get sick much less, I catch tightness before it turns into that deep painful ache, I spend less mornings slowly rolling out of bed and more of them jumping up ready to go, I’m a much more mellow person (just ask those closest to me!).

So if you find yourself saying you value massage and bodywork but you can’t afford it, I urge you to look a little deeper.  Rephrase the question.  Why are you choosing not to make massage a regular part of your lifestyle?