Reflections: Ten Years of Soteria Wellness
Reflections
Ten Years at Soteria Wellness
“Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not, though he senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people.”
While I was in my business class in massage school, dreaming of what my future would look like as I embarked on this later-in-life career shift, today’s Soteria Wellness was far beyond those dreams. I knew the name of my practice (even before I knew I was going to be a massage therapist!) I knew I wanted to change lives—to be an instrument of hope and health. I imagined working independently, yet collaborating with other gifted practitioners in our community. I had a vision of many healing modalities under one roof. I had even doodled the elements that finally became our logo when we rebranded with our move two and a half years ago.
What I did not see was that I was being entrusted with creating this space I imagined working in. If I had known then, perhaps I would have run the other direction! Taking that step off a stepping stone when you don’t know how deep the water is can be a bit unnerving to say the least. This journey, while not easy, has brought me so much joy and satisfaction.
Every day I “get to”, as opposed to “have to” go to work. I have the opportunity to regularly watch miracles unfold and see lives transformed. I am humbled to feel new life under my hands while giving a prenatal massage, then when they arrive earthside to hold tiny babies as their little bodies gently unwind finding a new, more comfortable normal. I love serving the children, teens and our special needs population and helping them become their best selves. I am awed by the resilience of those I work with who live with severe chronic health challenges who continue to persevere.
I am amazed at the inner strength I see in our clients who have lived through devastating trauma and are pushing through to heal physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I remember with sweet fondness our clients who came to us for palliative care at the end of their earthly journeys.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I look back and reflect on these past ten years. I am grateful to God for the vision and unfolding it slowly over time—just enough to get me excited about each new bend in the river, but not completely overwhelmed, and for giving me the strength to do what He called me to do.
I am thankful for the early clients who sought me out for massage and CranioSacral work in my one room rental on Richmond Street. For those who brought their babies to learn infant massage or came to explore ways of becoming a healer in their own homes through nature’s gifts at an essential oils class. So many of these early clients and guests have grown with us, healed with us, and still entrust us with their care today, two moves later. We are so honored by your faithfulness.
I am thankful for the wise and fair landlords I have had and their encouragement and insight that helped me broaden my vision and expand into what we are today. They each encouraged me to dream big and helped me make those dreams come true.
I hold deep respect and appreciation for my educational, business and personal mentors and coaches who challenged me to do hard things, taught me things I did not know were possible, and emboldened me to take the steps I knew I needed to take even though they were well outside of my comfort zone. I have learned so much from you and hold you all in high regard.
I am blessed by every staff member that served our clients so beautifully these past few years when things became too big for me to handle on my own. Your unique gifts, personalities, skillsets and hearts have left a lasting footprint on Soteria Wellness and in the lives of our clients. We would not be where we are today without you and I am so incredibly thankful for all you have done and are doing to make our community a better place.
Finally, I am so grateful to each of our clients, whether new or old, regulars or those who find us when in moments of need. For those who like routine and predictability and those who love to explore all the options and get as excited as we do about every new modality or tool that finds its home at Soteria Wellness. We would not be here if it was not for you. Thank you for being a part of our journey. We love partnering with you on your healing journeys. There is nothing more rewarding than being a trusted ear in hard times and celebrating your breakthroughs with you as we enhance optimal health throughout the lifespan.