We are experiencing a global pandemic.
When I put the situation in that perspective, I am certain that we have taken all the proper steps. Our previous building was not suitable for the current concerns of COVID-19. The endothelial concerns of this virus are major hurdles to giving and receiving safe massage therapy. <Read: It’s not just about masks and spreading the virus. It’s about what the virus could possibly do to your body>
We must forge forward.
One day I feel one way and the next I feel completely different and I’m doing my best not to let fatigue guide my decisions. And we need to be getting massaged and feeling relief where we can.
Pain and stress are increased during a global crisis.
We know many of you desperately need what we provide and we definitely want to help you as we always have. The issue of “essential healthcare” has come up often. It is my personal stance that while massage therapy is incredibly important, I do not assume the same or similar contribution as the nurses, doctors, and researchers on the front lines of this crisis. To say we are essential is insulting to those who have died or become very ill because of this confusing virus. It was and is important for the healthcare professionals (mentioned above) to learn as much as they can about this virus while we focus on limiting interactions. We also know #StayingHome is causing depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Our level of activities have changed–increased or decreased–and that will effect how your body moves and the level of pain & stress you experience.
As the world has changed, so must we.
One positive hope I have for the effect of a global pandemic is now people will truly stay home when they are sick. Even with a cold. Do you hear that, folks? Do not come in if you are sick. Ever. Thank you!
I truly hope this disruption in our normal shakes things enough to see the value in rest and taking care of our health.
The question you’ve all been asking.
We are reopening. With case numbers currently rising again, it’s not safe to reopen right now. But we have a building, a relationship, and the flexibility to open when it’s safe. It’s just a matter of when. This is a brand new space that is currently being built out so we are stalled for several reasons.
And while I do think it’s possible to deliver safe & effective massage therapy with lots of precautions in place, I also believe in our social responsibility to slow the spread.
This is why I talk about sustainability. Our company plans to be around for a long time. And I don’t believe opening and closing will prove sustainable. We surveyed you some weeks ago and there were a lot of you ready to return and a lot of people who didn’t feel safe. And as a testament to how quickly things have changed, the STL county as put in place stricter stay at home orders. I do trust that our healthcare leaders are giving us proper information. And this “wave” will come and go again but we need to slow the spread to support our front line workers. We have another timely, one-question survey you can fill out here.
I’ve been in close contact with the staff of excellent massage therapists and we’re making these decisions together. Each one of us has a different situation to consider as we move forward. And we’ll be making some significant changes that will allow us to operate with safety and freedom. More on that as we get closer to opening.
And a note from me, Sara.
It’s hard to watch my efforts of the last 10+years in business change so drastically. As much as it pains me, I am confident we’ve been taking the appropriate steps for our community. But I see others acting irresponsibly and I get frustrated. Seemingly overnight, I have become a full time caretaker and teacher of my 3 children. And I did not have children or create a business with the thought that one day I would be in this position. I know I am not alone in this struggle. Many women are contending with their careers drastically changing. It’s really hard not to feel the burden of the ‘mom penalty‘ and that is most definitely amplified during a pandemic.
In positive ways, it has given me the opportunity to restructure a few things to make this business more sustainable & diversified. And as I’m mostly depleted by the end of the day of virtual schooling & supporting my wildly different children, I look forward to working with my clients again. You give me life and energy! I also know it’s going to take some time for everyone to feel safe again. And, if there’s anything massage therapy and stress relief has taught me, slowing down to create this with a solid foundation is the only way it’s going to be as solid as we all want it to be. #practicingwhatipreach
I realize many of you are feeling similarly depleted. Our brains are not wired to process this amount of stress. I’m sure a massage would feel very rejuvenating right now. I know I desperately want one. The last massage I received was on January 28th! I feel awful that we aren’t there to provide that great environment for you to relax. I hope that you understand and you’re doing your part to make sure we can all go back to work/school sooner than later. 
I would love to hear how you’re doing, send me a message here.
Stay Safe and Healthy! -Sara
