Realizing People Want the Real You: Featured Client Michelle Yee

Featured Client: Michelle Yee, Registered Massage Therapist

Website: www.softmechanic.com
Blog: www.softmechanic.wordpress.com

What are you creating in the world?

Connection.  Through my work as a registered massage therapist, I have the opportunity to foster a unique connection with my clients while working towards their health care goals. One of the most gratifying parts of my job is watching clients find the comfort of being more present in their bodies. I really want to help them connect with the resources they need to heal, maintain good health, and promote self-care. Even after 7 years of practice, I still feel a bit giddy and excited when I see how a treatment can positively affect another person’s well-being (“Wow! It’s not hoodoo voodoo!  It really works!”).

I am also dipping my fingers into writing, art making and cooking, all of which energize me to no end.  Undoubtedly, making room for these loves also make me a much happier massage therapist!

How did the Authentic Professionalism Workshop with Jamie help?

Jamie’s Authentic Professionalism workshop came at exactly the right time, as I am attempting  to jump start my business in a new location.  I wanted to be more active in promoting myself but really struggled with the idea of having to “brag” about myself and didn’t feel comfortable with having to be “The Expert”, with a capital E.

I walked away from the workshop more aware of the myths I had been telling myself about what a profession had to be. I understood how they were preventing me from sharing information that other people might find useful (which is not bragging and not having to be an expert).  It was also heartening to finally realize that clients were coming to see me because of who I am, not in spite of it.  And certainly not because of the fictional persona of “a professional” that I had built up in my mind.

What have you learned about yourself?

I just have to be brave and put myself out there.  I will attract the type of clientele that will benefit and respond to what I have to share in the world.  That not only applies to massage therapy, but all the other creative pursuits that are percolating under the surface.

What would you like to celebrate?

Positive health care experiences for everyone!  I would also like to celebrate my mom for always greeting me, as a kid,  with “hello beautiful” when she walked in the door from work.  She persisted even when I scowled my teenage scowl and told her it was dumb and not true.  Many years later, I appreciate more than ever, those efforts to bolster my self-esteem.  Now, I try to find more opportunities to follow her example.  Hello beautiful. Yup, I’m talking to you.

Announcement: If you’re interested in Authentic Professionalism, I’ll be offering the workshop as a part of a day-long event in Toronto in January 2010. To stay informed and receive details as they come, please sign up for my newsletter. It will be great to share this work with you! Jamie.

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