The Power of Positive Touch

Touch is important to development, especially in childhood. In fact, when children do not receive nurturing touch as they mature, a host of issues can arise in cognitive development and emotional regulation.Interestingly enough, as we age, we touch less. Throw in a pandemic and touch becomes even more scarce. I am not sure of all the facts around why touch lessens as we grow older, but I know it is a reality for myself. In the hustle to get from point A to point B, intentional, positive touch often falls to end of my priority list.

I would argue that adults need positive touch just as much as children do. Massage therapy is my way of making sure that us adults don’t forget this. As you juggle work, school, family,

friendships, and everything adulting has to offer, I encourage you to think about yourself.The rollercoaster of tasks may never end. The harsh truth is also that we will not be rescued. I have been guilty of thinking that someone will see how hard I work and that THEY will give me permission to pause and rest. Realistically, I have to give that permission to myself. I have to respect myself enough to know that I’m worthy of more than jumping from one task to the next. I must be connected enough to ME to know when I am tired, overwhelmed, and need to stop. For many of us, busyness is the baseline, making relaxation feel foreign and sometimes uncomfortable.

Release yourself from the idea that worthiness is equated to how busy you are. Find the courage to let go of your routine momentarily. Fight your inner critic friend! They will remind you of everything you should be doing right now, except taking the time to relax. As a Black women, I feel this overwhelming pressure to prove to the world that I am productive. That’s a blog for another day but the point is, no one is going to take care of you better than you. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury.It is a necessity.

I dare you to choose you, not out of selfishness, but with the intent of showing up as your best self. YOU CAN DO IT!

Remember that you are the tree that many will pull from.