Being involved with the community is an important aspect to TSR Massage.  Giving in time, services, advice, or even gratitude goes a long way to improve our lives as practitioners and clients.

I've made a point to contribute to my community in the name of TSR Massage, but I don't usually advertise it, because my goal isn't to prove to people how nice I am, but to enrich my life and the lives of the people I am helping. 

However, I do want others to know that I am involved in case they have any questions for me about community involvement for themselves.  While in massage school, part of our course credits were gained through volunteering, so I have been doing these things since the very beginning. The great thing about being involved, is that you don't have to do it the same way as anyone else. It's what is meaningful to you and how you want to spread your message.

I was recently asked more specifically how I involve my business in the community. Here is a short list to give you and idea of your opportunities:

• Massage Tent at the Chicago Marathon
• Massage Tent for several Walk/Bike Events
• Massage for Local Special Interest Conventions
• Participate in 5K walks
• Ronald McDondald House providing massage for parents of sick children.
• Cans for $$s off a Massage Food Drive every fall
• Participated in March of Dimes Jail and Bail
• Donated Massage Gift Certificates for Silent Auctions for Habitat for Humanity, Lion's Club, Relay for Life, etc.

The list can go on for the many different types of massages, donations, or causes. It really is up to you. A lot of the time the events can be really fun and you meet some great people. When you are giving massage to a cause you believe in, it helps rejuvenate your professional and personal drive.  Sometimes you are even introducing massage to someone who had never even considered it as an option for themselves. 

So go out and participate in your community, it doesn't always have to mean giving away free services or a lot of time! There is always a way to make it work for you!