Month: October 2017

Life after massage school

Posted on by crazydreamsgirl

Hello, my bucket list friends! It’s been one week since I finished school and I have to say it’s always a little strange when something that you have been doing for a while ends. For the past year of my life I’ve been going to school three days a week and working hard to keep up with the out of class work and then last week it was all over. The day after graduation felt strange I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. I scheduled a date to take my certification exam. and started applying to 2nd jobs in the meantime.  It feels so weird that I don’t have to go to school anymore and I miss my classmates and teachers but the free time is great. I had my first free Saturday in a long time and I used it to check out a pumpkin farm with my mom and I’m so happy I did, not only did I pick out the perfect pumpkin I got to go on a train ride and a hay ride. We also got to walk through a corn maze. It was a truly wonderful day. Even though transitions can be hard for me, I can’t wait to see the things the post-graduation life has to offer. I also can’t wait until I officially start working as a massage therapist. Rock on – Christina Epperly

Graduation OCT. 2017

Posted on by crazydreamsgirl

Hello, Bucket list friends! Last night I graduated From NHI after finishing a one-year program. I’m always surprised at how fast things go by. Last night I could not believe that it was happening. My one-year journey at, massage school was coming to an end. It was a truly wonderful journey that was full of growth. Graduation day was filled with emotion. I felt a wide range of emotions happiness, sadness, pride, thankfulness and excitement. The graduation ceremony was simply beautiful the decorations that were brought by the other members of our group were off the chart! I was so proud of myself during the ceremony I had truly come a long way. I was Also so thankful for everyone who had helped me get to that point.  Last night was wonderful. After the graduation I went out to eat with some of the people I love most.  I’m so glad that I chose massage therapy and NHI . I’m excited and prepared to begin a wonderful career as a massage therapist as soon as I pass the Mblex (certificate exam ) that is . The thing that I learned the most from all this was never be afraid to try new things and to never underestimate yourself. I’m so blessed and thankful to God, my family ,friends and group 37 for helping me in being able to  complete this awesome but challenging program. Rock on – christina Epperly

Surviving the bad days

Posted on by crazydreamsgirl

Hello, bucket list friends! I have found that I really enjoy writing personal blog posts, So I thought I would share with you how I make it through the days when my OCD and anxiety is at a very high level. As with most medical conditions, when you struggle with mental health issues, you have good days and bad days. There are many things that can cause me to have a bad mental health day. Stress is a big culprit it could be anything from a test, to a lack of money, or just having too much to do. Any of those things can cause me to have a bad mental health day. Sometimes I’m just that way for no particular reason. There are days when my brain chemicals just aren’t right and I don’t feel good. There will also be days when my OCD drives me crazy with it’s racing thoughts and even though my medication helps with this problem. There is no way to cure the metal health problems that I have but over time I have learned to manage the bad mental health days. Being aware of what’s going on with me makes all the difference. Just being aware of what happing to me can help me to relax and overcome the negative feelings. Sometimes unfortunately I get caught up in the strong emotions that I’m feeling and I have a very hard time getting myself back to a normal mood. Sometimes It gets frustrating because I’m not sure why it’s all happening. I mean I know I have OCD, anxiety and depression but sometimes I can’t always pinpoint why I’m feeling the way I am. Is it because of mental health or is it because of a lack of sleep or am I truly upset about something? There are different tools I use to help me cope with bad mental health days depending on the situation such as praying, reading, watching TV and making art. Sometimes when I distract myself with the things I love most I can get myself out of a bad mood. Also a self-pep -talk can go a long way. One other thing I do is look back on all the good days I’ve had and look forward to the ones yet to come ! What are some tools you use when you are having a bad mental health day? Let me know in the comments below . Rock on – Christina Epperly