Sweet Willow Massage & Wellness

Trying something different, the clock is ticking on the renewal for the Maryland Massage license. I specifically only wanted to take courses this renewal that impact the work I've been so passionate about. And after supporting one of my long time oncology clients this summer up to her death, I wanted to take more in the end-of-life realm. If you've been around, I'm not a stranger to hospice and positive care. That's an area I've been doing for over 20 years. But what's even more, is that I have found every hospice training I've ever done as a volunteer, or as a massage therapist, end of life training impact every specialty I focus on - reproductive health, infertility, birthing folks, postpartum and of course oncology.

I'm no expert, I don't claim to be. My biggest and best teachers have been those I've supported over the years. The times where I said "f " why did I say or do that, I did better the next time. Or, the experience of one area became a guide for another.

I prefer on demand videos, this current course does not and with my healing it's been hard to be on the computer. So, today, I'm reading with real paper in my hand with a 🫣 highlighter!!!!

Anywho, I'm finally on the next lesson, maybe old school is more of a convenience than I realized. With my Hex Hallow beverage from Departure, I'm fueled and making progress. We've got to do better when talking about end of life care. Age appropriate conversations are more important than not having them.

Whether you're a massage therapist or not, what's a course you learned so much from for end of life care?

Tomorrow begins a new month. A month that brings about a lot of community, a lot of events, a lot of storytelling, a lot of heaviness.

I promise to share the events and resources that are local. I promise to hold space. I promise to listen. I promise to respect your boundaries. I promise to support you unconditionally.

October might be a month of non stop scrolling. Give yourself grace. Take breaks. It is ALSO beyond okay and acceptable to not open this app all month long. Giving yourself permission to do what is essential FOR YOU is extremely important.

What are the events you'll be participating in for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month? What are the breast cancer events you'll be participating in?

Ok, now go hydrate. ❤️

community massageafterloss massagetherapist reproductivehealth

We are gearing up for the 2027 Hope on the High Notes event in April, and want to extend an invite to each of you if you'd like to be part of the committee in some way.

Our goals: 1. To secure venues for main event 18+ years old and for the family friendly under 18 years of age karaoke events since we had way more kids than expected and want to be respectful of those not there.
2. Grow marketing audience.
3. Increase sponsorships, participants, vendors.
4. Work more closely with area fertility clinics on educating about RESOLVE, why community matters, and why this event.
5. Increase advocacy support for federal legislation
6. Prepare National Infertility Awareness Week events to be partnered with area reproductive health organizations.

Please share this with anyone who may be interested in some capacity, even if it's to be on the sponsor list once that is finalized.

Thank you for your continued commitment to supporting those navigating the family building journey, wherever that takes them. Community is important, and you are an important piece to that.

Saturday is National Rainbow Day. Many love to acknowledge the baby after loss(es); many, do not. These babies are called rainbow babies because they came after a storm. For those in the community of infertility and loss, the dream of having a baby in arms can often be the only dream one has. Some people get to have this, some folks don't.

Some folks love getting to call their baby, 🌈 Baby, some people feel uncomfortable doing so. There's no right or wrong when it comes to what feels right to you. You'll see many posts this weekend about it, you do you... Drink your water and be kind to yourself.

🌈

Checking in on everyone, especially around the current conversation around PPD and postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum Support International has a 24/7 free hotline and free virtual support groups of you are on need of resources. If you are in the Maryland area, I can send you referrals for mental health resources that are in and out of network.

I had no idea that the refresh I did over New Year's weekend would have been the last time I would this year. My big shelf had come down, things felt a little cluttered, I had new artwork I wanted to have on display and it all got extra sparkling touches. Just a couple days later, that Tuesday would be the last full day of seeing clients before my fall. I had hoped the timeline would have been quick. Then one thing kept leading to another, the return date was more and more out of reach.

By the time many of you see this post, my office will be cleaned out, nail holes spackled, trailer and truck loaded and the sensitive Selenite received on day one will be placed over the door's threshold to welcome the new into the space.

It feels like a long goodbye, I'm hoping there's a return in sight. For now, we hit pause. Please, do not be a stranger. This work is so much of what I identify as, I do not dare to lose that. I refuse. So, there! Go hydrate.

This is why having resources like Endo Black Incorporated are so important. It's my first go to for any of my Black clients living with endometriosis. A great organization to get involved with for community outreach and education, and to share info from.