One question. One and only one answer. I’ve told people that I know the meaning of life, and I truly do. It profoundly explains the age-old question “Why are we here?” The answer is simpler than you might imagine and could have you wondering why it seems to have been such a carefully guarded secret for centuries. The absolute and truest meaning of life and why we are here is ... to help one another.
Sounds simple—and it is! Think of how many times in a day you utter the words “thank you” to another person or hear those words spoken to you. Every single time they are used, they evoke a sense of pride, appreciation, respect, accomplishment, sincerity, and sheer joy in either the speaker or the listener.
And, guess what? With every thank-you heard, the fact that someone helped someone else is highlighted. Ever have a customer service issue that had been wearing on your last nerve and you finally got the help you’d been seeking? Has anyone ever directed you somewhere on the road and by following their directions you made it safely to your destination? Have you ever been the recipient of a random act of kindness? If any one of these or a million other scenarios received a yes reply by you, you’ve already witnessed the true meaning of life.
So, what does this have to do with being an LMT? It has everything to do with being an LMT, because to every woman or man who has taken the time, borne the expense, studied, and strived to achieve licensure, the foremost reason we’ve endured all the societal requirements is because dwelling deep within our hearts is the proven notion that we care about, and for, our fellow human beings.
Nothing surpasses the feeling we get when a client smiles that special smile after descending from our massage table or steps back from our massage chair; that smile that speaks volumes—without ever opening one’s mouth—that silently and warmly says, “Thank you!”
As LMTs, we are practitioners of a physical modality that ultimately improves lives, positively alters moods, nurtures souls, and touches hearts, as well as bodies. Our sense of touch is our gift that we willingly share with everyone we can, without hesitation.
What other vocation can you think
of that:
• Provides relaxation
• Relieves stress
• Reduces anxiety
• Boosts the immune system
• Improves circulation
• Lowers blood pressure
• Speeds healing
• Improves sleep patterns
• Increases flexibility
• Promotes mental acuity
• Improves skin tone and health
• Improves posture
• Increases peace of mind
… and generally makes family, friends, and clients feel better? That list of vocations might well begin and end with the massage therapist.
We belong to a wonderful community of thoughtful and well-meaning individuals, and as a collective body of professionals, we ought to be extremely proud of the work we do.
Words of advice from this seasoned veteran of life, yet rather new LMT:
1. Believe in yourself.
2. Trust why you’ve chosen this profession.
3. Be passionate.
4. Make sure your clients feel your desire to benefit them.
5. Smile a lot.
As long as you are in this field for the right reasons, you will be successful beyond your wildest imagination. You may not see a constant entourage of dollar signs dancing around you; when I speak of success, more so I mean the kind of success that results from sharing your talented hands and heart with others—those who most need the “magic” your massages create.

Benn Perry, LMT, loves being a massage therapist. He is also an award-winning author, screenwriter, filmmaker, and lover of the literary and performing arts. Contact him at benn@bennperry.com.