I had an experience this past week that really hit home to me. I scheduled an appointment with a lady for a facial. This may seem like not a big deal, but for me it was. I am 44 and had never had a facial.
I grew up in a atmosphere where you just didn't seek out services you could do at home and you didn't do anything for yourself unless it was a necessity.
I am a Massage Therapist and will on occasion get massages for myself. The problem being that it is usually out of dire need or guilt because I was trading with someone so I had to fulfill the trade. I have to admit I haven't had a massage where I felt like I wasn't on the job. One of the perils of the industry I suppose.
I showed up to my facial appointment at the lady's house. She had a very nice room set up with soft music playing. very similar to what I would do for my own clients. I disrobed from the neck to the waist put on a wrap around towel and got under the sheets and blanket.
I found the table very comfortable and relaxing. Knowing it was my first facial the esthetican was extra careful to explain to me exactly the process. As she worked on me I realized that I was relaxed!
I also realized that it felt good to have someone else take care of me without expectation of wanting anything from me (except payment of course ;) ) Someone was taking care of me without wanting my time in return.
Wow. That was pretty profound. I wasn't getting my duly needed massage session to keep me prime for my job. I was getting a facial which is pampering but also something that is doing good for my outside as well as my inside. I could relax without it being about my job and get the needed refreshed feeling to go home and take better care of my family and even go back to work on Monday to take better care of my clients.
Is it important to let someone else take care of you when you are the care taker? I see this all the time. I have many clients who are care takers and they come to me completely worn out. Not just physically but emotionally and mentally also. I can take care of them like this beautiful lady took care of me so they can go back to taking care of those who need them. It's a beautiful cycle that we need to understand.
I get many blessings for taking care of others. She got a blessing for taking care of me and I got a blessing for allowing her to.
By the way, I am amazed at how great my face feels and looks. My hubby commented how much I glowed all afternoon. Our bodies were designed to be touched. Our skin works hard. our muscles work hard, It's ok to let someone take care of us.
