Carly Clark Zimmer :: RADICAL SELF-CARE
I’d been a massage therapist at the hotel spa for six years. This job was considered la crème de la crème of massage therapy jobs. I was making nearly six-figures, I had paid vacation and sick time, a retirement plan, and it was a union so technically I had a job for life. My family and friends were so proud of me that I finally had a decent paying and secure job. I’d found my box that fit nicely into what society expected of me.
And, I was terribly unfulfilled and unhappy.
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O
n the 21st floor of a five star hotel spa in the heart of Manhattan, I rushed into my treatment room and quickly closed the door behind me. My breathing was intense, my heart beat racing, and my organs were doing cartwheels. My body was screaming “today is the day. You cannot wait any longer.”
I was wearing a pair of golden handcuffs. They were heavy and tight. The side effect was physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion. In the midst of just trying to get through each day, there was an internal whisper that kept sharing that I had something else to do here on the planet. On my days off I would spend my time learning about personal development and online business. I had this vision of working virtually so that I could spend big chunks of time visiting friends and family around the globe, and still be doing something I loved for work. I’d started a small private practice on the side and kept saying to myself: “After the holiday rush will be a good time to let them know I’m leaving.” “That other therapist is out on medical leave. When they get back, I’ll give notice.” “When they find a replacement for the therapist who just left, then I’ll tell them so they won’t be struggling for coverage.”
I was waiting until it was
convenient for
everyone else to
go all in on my dream.
