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Becoming a massage therapist was one on a long list of professional pursuits I have held on to for almost twenty years. In the process of letting go of old stories and excuses about my life, I decided it was time to take it off the back burner and give it a go.

Massage is often trivialized and disrespected as an industry. I blame the societal and religious shame about the body. There's so much you have to know about the human body beyond anatomy, and a lot you have to think about in order to provide a high level of service. Massage therapy is a whole body experience, and not just for the person receiving the massage.

So why is the industry treating massage therapists like machines? Why are massage therapists willing to overwork their bodies in the name of gaining experience, time management, and profit?

As I recover from burnout and structural issues from repetitive stress, I'm vigilant about my self-care as I explore career opportunities in massage therapy.ABOUT MONDAYS WITH MELISSAAdulting: Are we doing it wrong? Mondays with Melissa is an ongoing conversation about adulthood and the continuous pursuit of personal growth.

Melissa's working it out in real time, and some of it won't be pretty.

Join the conversation in the comments. If you'd like to be a guest, let me know your topic in the comments (leave your email in the box that only I will see) and I'll be in touch.

On Twitter,  I'm @HoneyBHolistic Use hashtags #FlawsOutClawsOut and #MotormouthMelissa