Massage Collage

I’ve been waiting with bated breath for the announcement from the NCBTMB about who won the two seats in the long-delayed board election, but that information hasn’t materialized yet.  I keep checking the “press release” section of their website to no avail.  The last post was the response to the passage of the new massage practice act in Pennsylvania, another diatribe about the NCB sticking its nose in where it doesn’t belong. 

            While I was perusing the old press releases a few weeks ago on their website, I couldn’t help but notice how many important events seemed to be missing, so I sent an email to NCB to ask about the omissions I noted, but I have not had the courtesy of a reply.

            I wondered if there was a press release concerning the firing of CEO Christopher Laxton and Director of Education Mark Lausch…no such luck. I didn’t see anything about the fact that the NCB certification exams are being phased out in North Carolina.  Nor was there anything about the NCB Board voting to give their outgoing Chair Donna Feeley $20,000 to pay for her medical care, since her “volunteer” stipend of around $100,000 didn’t cover the cost of health insurance.

            That brings to mind another issue—the finances of the NCB.  I’m beginning to be concerned about the amount of money going out versus the amount of money coming in.  Between all the Board and committee members flying around the country and their other efforts to step up PR, the hiring of expensive lobbyists and lawyers and filing lawsuits in an effort to stop the FSMTB and the MBLEx from encroaching on “their” territory, the Board meetings held in luxury hotels from coast to coast, and the number of states defecting to the MBLEx, they’ve got to be feeling the pinch. I guess that’s why they just raised the fees for approved providers.

            NCB has also taken on the appearance of a revolving door, personnel-wise.  Counting the new CEO who is about to be named, NCB will have had six chief execs in last five years. This does not contribute to the operation of a stable organization.  There is never any information forthcoming from NCB about the good people who have resigned in frustration or those who have been given the boot. Since we only hear about the replacements, one has to wonder what the problem has been with these people, all of whom have come to the NCB from other high-paying and high-powered positions and were seemingly competent and qualified .

            Feeley’s self-extended term as Board Chair of ends on New Year’s Eve.. I’m looking forward to watching Chair-Elect Neal Delaporta as he assumes the position and and will report on his leadership in this column.  I’m hopeful that there will be fewer shenanigans and more positive changes under his watch, but only time will tell.

Peace & Prosperity,

Laura Allen

Posted on December 30th, 2008 by Laura Allen
Filed under: General | No Comments »

I’ve received a lot of e-mails and a few phone calls since my previous post about the NCBTMB elections, about the fact that I supported Pua Gillespie for one of the open seats.  I am ashamed to say that I must now eat crow on that decision, and I feel compelled to give some background.

When I received my ballot from the NCBTMB, I made it my business to contact the candidates and ask them their position on the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. Nathan Nordstrom, whom I also supported, politely responded to me that he was prohibited from “campaigning” in any way other than his candidate statement, according to NCBTMB rules, and he’s actually right on that.  However, Nathan’s candidate statement impressed me enough with his references to the fractures and dissent on the board that I figured he was the right man for the job.  

I also heard from the other candidates, who apparently weren’t worried about the rule Nathan quoted, or, didn’t feel that answering a simple question was a violation of it (I didn’t think it was).  In any case, they all sounded like political double-speak to me, totally evasive about the question…everyone of them came across as sounding like a politician on the stump trying to appease everyone by saying something vague instead of offering a definite opinion, with the exception of Pua Gillespie.  I received a very nice e-mail from her.  She assured me that she had established a good relationship with the Federation board members, and intended to work harmoniously with the FSMTB’s new chair, Kevin Snedden.  Pua also went on to tell me about following the path of ”Aloha,”, the Hawaiian spiritual tradition of not being in judgment and not saying anything bad about anyone. I believed, as she totally meant for me to, that she intends to work with the Federation and not against it.

Then the calls and e-mails started coming in, along with copies of the documents about the Federation that Gillespie has personally handed out at state board meetings.  It’s a piece of propaganda from the NCBTMB, and to make a long story short, the ending statement summarizes their (and apparently Gillespie’s, since she was handing it out and her business card was stapled to the paper) attitude about the FSMTB and the MBLEx.  In short, it says that the MBLEx has created public confusion and distrust, and threatens to set the profession back 16 years (the amount of time the NCBTMB has been in existence).  It also includes a number of other distortions. Aloha, indeed.

I’ll just address a couple of these.  One comparison states that the NCBTMB’s job task analyses have included state board members, educators, subject matter experts, etc., and points out that the last job task analysis was contributed to by over 4,000 people.  The comparison states that the FSMTB’s website lists “40 individuals” as contributors to the test development process.  Funny, but it doesn’t say a word about the fact that the Federation’s job task analysis was from over 7,500 practitioners.  And, that the 40 individuals who are in fact listed include state board members, educators, subject matter experts, etc. 

It also goes on to imply that due to the fact that the Federation received money from ABMP that the ABMP owns the Federation in some way.  That would be like saying that because the NCBTMB gave $50,000 to the Massage Therapy Foundation this year, they now own the Foundation.  There is no truth in it whatsoever.  There’s not one word there that sounds like the spirit of Aloha to me; the entire paper is a slam against the Federation and the MBLEx. 

I am ashamed that I was fooled in this manner.  I’ve already cast my vote, and I can’t take it back.  I apologize profusely to the people who voted on my recommendation.  I will not recommend anyone else in place of Gillespie, because I could be fooled again.

On another note, the NCBTMB has lost yet another dedicated volunteer this week in the person of Elaine Calenda, who has tirelessly served that organization for 14 years, most recently as the chair of the School Outreach Advisory Panel.  Her letter of resignation expressed her distress at past and recent turns of events at the NCBTMB, and that she felt she could no longer defend their actions.  It is very sad that someone who has worked so hard for so long is reduced to resigning, rather than to keep serving an administration that has become an embarassment to her. 

While I’m having my dinner of boiled crow, I will be watching with interest to see the outcome of the election.  Whomever gets voted in, I’m watching you.  I’ll be watching Mr. Delaporta when he takes over, and I’ll be keeping up with, and reporting on, the actions of the NCBTMB in relation to interference in state governance, the exorbitant waste of the stakeholder’s money in holding staff meetings in Hawaii, the exorbitant “stipend” of the chair, the lawsuits and the sniping between board members, the departure of valued volunteers, and the service to stakeholders.  Incidentally, I heard through the grapevine that the new CEO is going to be one of the spin-doctors from the PR firm the NCBTMB hired to spruce up their image.  I’ll be watching him, too.  It’s going to take more than PR window-dressing to satisfy me that this organization is back on the right track. 

I do not want the NCBTMB to dry up and blow away.  I want them to do the job they are supposed to do. 

Peace & Prosperity,

Laura Allen

Posted on December 5th, 2008 by Laura Allen
Filed under: General | 1 Comment »

If you are nationally certified, you have just a short time to vote for the two positions that are open on the Board of Directors for the NCBTMB.  Please do not let your right to vote pass you by.

I am supporting Nathan Nordstrom and Pua Gillespie for the open seats.  Nordstrom is the only one of the candidates who said a word in his candidate statement about all the fractures and dissent within the NCBTMB.  Someone should certainly address that issue.  I support Pua Gillespie because she practices and lives by the spirit of ”Aloha”, with respect for all persons, forgiveness, and non-judgment handed down from her Hawaiiaan elders.  As the current chair of the government relations committee since May, she is already at work with the 30 states who have joined the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, and I believe she will work with that organization instead of against it.

Candidates are forbidden from campaigning, other than their candidate statements.  I urge you to read each one’s statement carefully and follow your conscience. 

The present administration has accomplished a lot, as far as revamping the website and stepping up public relations efforts.  So far it’s been window-dressing; approved provider approvals and renewals are running way behind, as usual, and I personally would rather see good service to stakeholders instead of a snazzy website.  And as I’ve stated here many times before, I wholeheartedly disapprove of the NCBTMB fighting against the FSMTB and the MBLEx, and think they would do well to keep their nose out of state governance.  That isn’t their job, and they haven’t made any friends on account of it.

Donna Feely’s term is up December 31, and I wait with bated breath to see if we’re in for another winter (or two, since his term won’t end until 2010) of discontent under the leadership of Mr. Delaporta.  Hopefully not. 

Peace & Prosperity,

Laura Allen

Posted on November 28th, 2008 by Laura Allen
Filed under: General | No Comments »

Thanksgiving is coming up and the holiday season is about to begin.  In my North Carolina town, recent plant closings and job layoffs are going to mean a lot of people are struggling to meet their everyday needs, and it’s hard to get in that merry mood when you’re worried about providing for your family.

My husband is a builder, and he, along with the other folks in the construction trade and the real estate business around here have had a bad year.  Still, our needs are met, our home is secure, and we’re not going hungry.  Our practice hasn’t suffered; my staff members are all still busy.  It may be a sign of the times that even when money is short, or maybe more so, stress levels are high and people still need their massage.

Now that the election is over (thank God), I’m waiting to see what the new president is going to do for small business people and middle-class America.  Even though the unemployment rate is at an all-time high and there’s a lot of craziness going on in the financial markets, I feel hopeful that things are turning around.  I filled up my car a few minutes ago with gas that was 1.86 a gallon, and just a month or so ago, it was almost 5.00 a gallon. That’s got to be a good sign.

My Christmas list this year is a long one.  I want Peace on Earth.  I want our soldiers to come home.  I want the government to quit bailing out gazillion-dollar corporations and do something for all the hard-working people who are facing foreclosure on their homes.  I want everybody who wants one to have a job.  I want all the unwanted children in America to be adopted into homes where they’ll be loved and cared for.  I want the hungry to be fed, and I don’t want any homeless people freezing to death because they don’t have a roof over their head.  I want elderly people to have enough so that they don’t have to choose between paying for their medicine or buying food. 

AMTA was able to give the Massage Therapy Foundation a very impressive gift of over $400,000 this year, and part of that came from a donation based on a dollar per member.  If all the massage therapists reading this give up one dollar per massage between now and Christmas, that’s probably a substantial amount of money.  Even in these hard times, most people can give up a dollar.  I’m putting a donation box in the lobby, and maybe our clients will give a dollar, too.  I challenge all of you to do the same, and give it to the charity of your choice.  Someone’s life will be better for it, and so will yours.  Massage therapists are compassionate, giving people, and there are a lot of us.  We can make a difference.

Peace & Prosperity,

Laura Allen

Posted on November 15th, 2008 by Laura Allen
Filed under: General | No Comments »

I’ll probably catch a lot of flak for this post, because it seems like everybody and his brother is holding himself out to be a “personal coach” or “life coach” these days.  Coaching is big business, and there seems to be a trend among some massage therapists and others in the holistic arts to add this to their menu of services.

I suppose mentor and coach could be interchangeable terms, if it weren’t for the money.  I have mentored a lot of students, and never charged them a dime.  Maybe I should start calling it coaching and charge them 200.00 an hour.  I’ve had at least a couple of mentors continuously during my career, and they haven’t ever charged me a penny for the moral support and advice they’ve graciously imparted.  They should be calling it coaching and charging me big bucks, if they want to go with the flow.

I frequently act as a consultant to massage schools and other practitioners.  I do charge for that service, and I have in the past paid someone to consult with me on business matters that I wanted another perspective on.  Maybe I just like the word “consultant”.  I might be a coach in sheep’s clothing.

When it comes to coaching, I think I just have a mental block on the word itself, due to some of the people I’ve met who are in the coaching business.  For instance, a relationship coach.  I can’t picture myself taking relationship advice from someone who’s always on the outs with her own family, and who can’t hold a relationship together longer than six months, but I am acquainted with several such people.  A client of mine told me just yesterday that her parents were celebrating their 71st wedding anniversary today.  Now, that’s the kind of person I’d like for a relationship coach–someone who’s been able to hold it together for 71 years.

Then there’s financial coaching.  I would like for my financial coach to be a millionaire, preferably self-made before the age of 50.  If they inherited it, that’s okay, as long as they’ve managed to hang on to it and make it grow, instead of blowing it all on one long spending spree.  I want my financial coach to be a prosperous person, not just someone who talks about prosperity.  I’m still old-fashioned enough to think that most prosperity comes through hard work.  As someone has said, the easiest way to double your money is to fold it up and put it in your pocket. 

I want a business expert who’s really been in business.  While I appreciate the effort that goes into earning an MBA from Harvard, when it comes to a business coach, I want someone who has actually been through the blood, sweat, and tears of running a business, and lived to tell the tale. 

I know some coaches who fit that description. They’re out there performing a valuable service, giving advice and encouragement to people who need it and have the money to pay.  If you’re considering hiring a coach, check into their qualifications, over and beyond some certificate they might possess that says they’re a coach.  Ask them about their real life experience.  Find out what really qualifies them to be a coach, what experiences they’re bringing to the table, and what successes they have had in whatever field they’re holding themselves out to be an expert in.  Some of the people in the self-help field seem to base their expertise on all the failures they’ve had, not the successes they’ve had. Know who your coach is. And that’s your coaching for today, absolutely free.

Peace & Prosperity,

Laura Allen

Posted on November 1st, 2008 by Laura Allen
Filed under: General | 3 Comments »

I just returned from attending the annual meeting of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards in Seattle, WA.  25 of the 30 state boards who are members sent representatives.  Also in attendance: several officers of the American Massage Therapy Association; two of the officers of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals; representatives of Pearson Vue; educators from all over; Dale Atkinson, executive director of FARB (Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards); and Diana Thompson, the director of the Massage Therapy Foundation.

Not in attendance: The National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.  Patty Glenn, President of the FSMTB, announced during the opening comments of the meeting that the NCBTMB wanted to attend, but in light of the overwhelming hostility they have shown to the FSMTB and many of the member boards recently, they were not invited.  Patty stated that the focus of our gathering was taking positive action and moving forward with formulating a strategic plan for the future of FSMTB, and that the directors felt the presence of the NCBTMB would have disrupted that intent.  I don’t think anyone missed them.

Debra Persinger, executive director of FSMTB, gave a wonderful presentation.  Dale Atkinson, a very dynamic speaker I’ve been privileged to hear before, also did a training session for board members.  The reps from AMTA and ABMP gave short presentations.  The always-effervescent and charming Diana Thompson gave a great talk about the Massage Therapy Foundation.  Attendees were also split into focus groups several times throughout the meeting to identify challenges facing their individual boards and the Federation as a whole, and to brainstorm about ways to meet those challenges.

On a personal level, I was thrilled to meet so many board members, therapists and educators from all over.  I sat at the table with several members of the Oregon board all weekend, a lovely and dedicated group of people.  I was pleased to met Les Sweeney of ABMP, whom I have quoted in this blog before, and who made my day when he told me my book had prepared him for the NCE. 

This was one of the most informative and enjoyable conferences I’ve ever attended. To the states who have boards that have not yet joined, I would just say that you are missing an incredible opportunity, and the sooner you sign up, the better.  Joining the Federation does not obligate you to adopt the MBLEx as your licensure examination, although after examining the facts, you’ll probably want to.  State boards from all over the country coming together in this fashion can only be a good thing for the furtherance of our profession and our common goals. 

May the Federation live long and prosper!

Peace & Prosperity,

Laura Allen

Posted on October 20th, 2008 by Laura Allen
Filed under: General | 3 Comments »

Nationally certified therapists in Pennsylvania received an email from the National Certification Board this week that is full of lies and misinformation.  PA is in the process of moving forward with their practice act, and one of those provisions will allow acceptance of the MBLEx.  The email that was sent to certificants urges them to send a letter, provided by the NCB, to their legislators to try to stop this from happening.

Here is a direct quote from the letter:  “One such exam, MBLEx, is being funded and promoted by ABMP - a for-profit membership organization that is exerting enormous influence across the massage industry with increasing control in many business-critical areas. These already include: Schools, Curriculum, Insurance, Legislation, Association, Publications, and now … the last bastion: the licensing exam.”   The next sentence is the one that really blows my mind:  “This presents a clear and dangerous precedent, with potential monopolizing effects that could be injurious to the entire profession.”

I find it hilarious that the NCB uses the term “monopoly” with such reckless abandon, since their monopoly is exactly what’s at stake here.  They also state that the MBLEx is funded by “special-interest groups”–when in fact it is owned and funded by the member states–currently 29 states belong to the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.  The NCB likes to make a big deal out of the fact that 32 states accept their exams, and all I can say is, the FSMTB is gaining on them fast.

The NCB has taken the tactic in the past couple of years of acting as if they should be the only massage and bodywork organization that is allowed to exist, and that their tests should be the only tests that are allowed to exist.  The constantly slam the Federation, AMTA, and ABMP, and the falsehoods that they spread about these other well-respected organizations are just incredible and clearly crossing the line of ethical behavior. 

I’ve been nationally certified myself for nearly a decade, and every time I start to have a glimmer of hope that this organization is getting their act together, they seem to stoop to a new low.  I don’t have any delight in this; I find it pathetic, sad, and disheartening that an organization that was originally formed to benefit our profession has fallen so far down that I wonder if they will ever be able to rise above all the subterfuge, outright lies, managerial despotism, sniping and lawsuits between the board members, mass exits of staff members who are too embarassed to keep being associated with them, and other goings-on that have damaged their reputation and destroyed their integrity.

I hope that the therapists in PA will ignore this pitiful attempt to interfere in their state governance.  The MBLEx is a psychometrically sound examination, created after a job task survey analysis that more than 7,000 working massage therapists participated in.  For the NCB to act as if it isn’t a credible exam is totally ridiculous.  It is in fact administered by Pearson Vue, the same entity that administers the NCB exams, and if it wasn’t credible and psychometrically sound, Pearson Vue wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.  For the NCB to spread that word is to perpetuate an outright lie. 

Many states are offering a choice of exams, but the more outrageous the actions of the NCB become, some are opting out of their exams altogether in favor of using the MBLEx exclusively, and who can blame them?  If they continue on their present course of actions, it will someday come to the point that no one wants to be associated with them.  They’re not making any friends.

Incidentally, the NCB continues to give poor service to providers and certificants.  In spite of the fact I had sent in my renewal early this year, I received a form letter stating they had received four times the usual amount of renewal applicants and that my application was going to  be reviewed two months after it expired.  After I pitched a little hissy fit, including sending a letter stating that if the board members would stay home and attend to the business of actually running the board instead of flitting around the country interfering in states that are considering accepting the MBLEx, that they could get things done on time, I received it, but I neither want nor expect special treatment from them; I want everyone seeking their services to receive timely service, and their track record in that area is extremely poor.

This past week the board members of the NCB enjoyed their quarterly meeting, which was held in the exotic locale of Hawaii.  I can’t say it thrills me that my fees (350.00 this year to renew my providership) is paying for them to meet in Hawaii.  What’s wrong with meeting at their board offices, or some centrally located city on the mainland?  I imagine that was an expensive trip.  Add that on to the exorbitant stipend that Donna Feeley recently assigned herself, the money that they are spending on PR, and the lobbyists they are paying to interfere in state governance, and on top of their other problems, they’ll probably soon be having financial difficulties as well.  Their finances have to be made public, and you can expect me to report on that here very soon. 

I keep hoping that Ms. Feeley or one of the other board members will respond to my blog–I’ve invited them on more than one occasion–to explain themselves and offer some reasonable rationale for their actions, but they’ve never taken me up on it.  I don’t expect they’ll respond to this one, either, but of course they are welcome to.

Peace & Prosperity,

Laura Allen

Posted on October 6th, 2008 by Laura Allen
Filed under: General | 5 Comments »

Seen and heard this past week at the AMTA National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona:

MK Brennan, national president, giving a fabulous welcome speech, followed by a wonderful presentation by Judith Aston.  These two great ladies, who have both been in our business for more than thirty years, are the epitome of everything that is good about our profession and an example for the rest of us.

MK presenting a check on behalf of AMTA to the Massage Therapy Foundation for over 429,000.00 to further research and community service grants.  What an impressive gift!  I am proud to be part of an organization that puts their money where there’s a real need and opportunity to help others.

Lots of attendees cutting the National Certification Board’s name and logo off the badge holders they provided for the convention, and a few funny people covering it up with duct tape!  Apparently I’m not the only one they’ve ticked off here lately.

A gentleman named Eric, whose last name I failed to get, sharing that he works for the University of California, and that in the four years since they have implemented massage therapy as part of a wellness program for employees, that Worker’s Comp claims have gone from over 4 million dollars a year down to less than half a million. 

Carole Osborne receiving the Teacher of the Year award, a well-deserved honor for this pioneer in the field of pregnancy massage.

An Alaskan therapist sharing that massage is being used with the Native American population on the reservations there as a means to help diabetes and other problems, and how grateful the elders are for receiving the gift of touch.

Lucky Carter, sales rep for Lippincott in Arizona, telling me that my new book, One Year to a Successful Massage Therapy Practice, was one of the best sellers at the conference.

Debra Persinger from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, sharing that 29 states have now joined the Federation, and reporting interest in joining from several other state boards who were present at the convention. 

Karen Menehan, editor of this magazine.  I passed her on the escalator and rode back down to thank her for giving me the opportunity to write this blog and contribute to this great magazine.

Ed Sansbury, president of the North Carolina Chapter of AMTA, telling me he had just received word that all of our practice act revisions passed unanimously through the Rules Review Commission, in spite of the efforts of the National Certification Board to interfere in our state governance.  I resisted the urge to go to their booth and stick my tongue out.

Friends, former students and acquaintances from all over the country that I was pleased to catch up with.  Great opportunities for continuing education.  Socializing with other educators and therapists from all over the world.  There is something totally awesome about just being in the presence of 1000 other people who do what you do.  If you’ve never attended a national convention, put it on your calender for next year.  It will be held September 23-26, in Orlando, FL, a fun destination.  I hope to see you there!

Peace & Prosperity,

Laura Allen

Posted on September 21st, 2008 by Laura Allen
Filed under: General | No Comments »

Just a few weeks ago I celebrated the five-year anniversary of my clinic.  This coming Thursday will be my fifteenth wedding anniversary, and on Friday, I’ll be turning 49. 

I’m grateful for all of this and I have to give a lot of the credit to my husband, Champ.  He’s my biggest fan and supporter.  Anyone in business for themselves knows that it’s a lot of hard work, going out on a limb financially, and persevering through good times and bad–a lot like being married.  You basically get up every morning and decide to do it another day.  What I’m grateful for is that I still look forward to it every day. 

I’m a big believer that thought is the most powerful thing in the universe, that what you think is what you’re going to manifest.  If you expect things to be good, they’ll be good, and if you expect them to be bad, they’ll be bad.  Of course that’s not true all the time; you can be the most upbeat person in the world and still have trials and tribulations, but it’s your attitude about those things that’s going to make the biggest difference to the outcome.  I try to be one of those people that can find the silver lining in every cloud. 

Don’t get me wrong; I’m as apt to worry as the next person.  I worry if we’ll have enough money when we retire (or if we’ll have enough money TO retire; sometimes I think we’ll be working on the way to the cemetery.)  But I try to follow the five-minute rule: don’t have any pity-parties that last longer than five minutes.

I’m grateful for the staff that we’ve assembled, and the fact that they’re all dedicated.  I’m grateful for the clients we have.  I’m grateful that we have a roof over our heads and enough to eat, and always mindful that a lot of people don’t have that.  I’m grateful that I’m blessed with good friends and family.  I’m grateful to be in reasonably good health. 

I’m grateful for the opportunities that the massage profession has afforded me.  In my former life as a chef and restaurant owner, I spent more than 20 years cooking for the public.  While it was always nice to be complimented for serving a good meal, I don’t think it changed anybody’s life.  I’m grateful to be part of a profession now that allows me to help make positive changes in the lives of the people I touch. 

I’m grateful for Massage Magazine and for the people reading this blog.  When I count my blessings, I count you.

Peace & Prosperity,

Laura Allen

Posted on September 1st, 2008 by Laura Allen
Filed under: General | 1 Comment »

Today was one of those days when I failed to finish all the tasks I had on my list.  I just got back to the office after being gone for a couple of days, and the mail was piled up, insurance needed to be filed, a class is happening tomorrow that I needed to set up, cleaning needed to be done…I really wanted to chuck it all and get a massage but my staff was all booked up with real clients and no one left to take care of me.  I had a pity party about it for a few minutes and then I had to snap out of it and get down to the job(s) at hand.

I’m a childless person (except for Smokey Bear, my dog who thinks he’s a person), and I admire all those parents out there who manage to hold down a job, run a household, and raise their kids without falling over from sheer exhaustion.  School started back here in NC this week and I can hear mothers breathing a collective sigh of relief. 

It’s a balancing act to try to do all the things you have to do, and have any time left over for the things you want to do.  You spend your day taking care of other people and helping them feel good, and if you’re self-employed you can add all kinds of chores to that, from doing the laundry to scrubbing the bathroom at the office, and more of the same when you get home.

My New Year’s resolution this year was that I was going to quit spending 12 hours a day at my office.  I was good for a few months, but I’ve been back-sliding.  My mother came to my house and cleaned it today while I was at work.  I’m not sure if she felt sorry for me or was just appalled at the dust.  My scale tends to be tipping towards work, work, work here lately, and home seems to be the place I get to in time to take a shower and fall into bed. 

I’m going to reexamine my schedule and my priorities, and a few things might have to go.  I come to this point once in a while.  I really enjoy running my business; I just don’t enjoy it when I get to the point where it’s running me, and I’m totally responsible for being in this position.  I’m going to have to give up being a control freak and be better about delegating and asking for help.  Nobody but me cares that I didn’t finish all the things on my list.  It’ll still be there tomorrow.  It’s only a few more months til New Year’s, and I can make a new resolution…or just renew the old one…or maybe I’ll join a 12-step group for workaholics.

Peace & Prosperity,

Laura Allen

Posted on August 22nd, 2008 by Laura Allen
Filed under: General | No Comments »