Back to Life Massage & Bodywork

The Holiday Specials Train has rolled into town! Click on the link to get in on my BEST MASSAGE DEALS EVER and plan for a HEALTHY 2023!

https://www.backtolifemassagesd.com/campaigns/view-campaign/gcUlju3-cn4oFywMHZjhNDZIvsDBJrX2O8u1ithutzP28wYbQtModcZmDFycWfGUd5g6GFcU0LkTS1DZ1mhHcc3xmigw-iCn

THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to wish me a Happy Birthday! I took the week off and spent time in Redding with my parents and Manteca with my best pal Kristin Lyn😀❤️

It wasbeautiful and relaxing❤️

At 53, I finally feel at peace with myself and I like the person I am. It’s the best feeling. I wish it for everyone ❤️

I am still doing my birthday fundraiser raising money to honor my friend who passed away from cancer last month.

Thank you to all who have donated!

I am blessed to know and love and be loved by so many AMAZING people!❤️❤️

My birthday month fundraiser is in full swing.

This month I am raising money for 2 organizations in honor of my friend Jade, who passed away from cancer last month.

Deer Park Monastery and the Volcano Arts Center were near and dear to Jade's heart.

Any donation, large or small, makes a difference...and I will offer a massage discount in the amount of your donation as well.

All the details are in my latest email blast:

My birthday month fundraiser is in full swing.

This month I am raising money for 2 organizations in honor of my friend Jade, who passed away from cancer last month.

Deer Park Monastery and the Volcano Arts Center were near and dear to Jade's heart.

Any donation, large or small, makes a difference...and I will offer a massage discount in the amount of your donation as well.

All the details are in my latest email blast: https://www.backtolifemassagesd.com/campaigns/view-campaign/wv8blHZR8S_-MYVJxcWQzJw2bn3jAt-iScPJqDyHJnRxZGVnTzIQImQL2rXdknB5prNH4M3G4hs1wvQM3VIym6hCP51I11vI?fbclid=IwAR0ZQiAcbw0ozdP6zkzqPsv-Z9L5Ksg_2Op_Bd0v-EYhmELRoGoZ7pBoLd0

Donate - (Thay Transition) — Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation

Today is the first day of the FIRST birthday month fundraiser.

I will be doing 2 fundraisers this month to honor the passing of my friend Jade.

Jade was a frequent visitor to Deer Park Monastery in Escondido, CA where she practiced mindfulness and it was a place of peace and calm for her.

In lieu of flowers she requested donations be made to Deer Park Monastery in her name, Jade Solan.

I would be honored if you could donate any amount, big or small, to celebrate the life of my friend who succumbed to cancer last month.

In addition, I will gift you a massage discount in the amount of your donation.

Click the link to donate:

Donate - (Thay Transition) — Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation Thich Nhat Hanh spent his life serving all living beings. He worked tirelessly towards transforming suffering, healing wounds, building communities, and fostering peace throughout the world.

Oscar was VERY suspicious of this scene on our walk today…he even growled and barked at the werewolf 😂😂😂

I am starting my birthday month fundraiser a couple of days early. My birthday is on October 20 and every year I choose a cause to raise money for..and typically I offer a massage discount in the amount of the donation.

This year is no exception...except that it's bittersweet because I am honoring the passing of my dear friend, Jade.

On Saturday, Sept. 17, her soul left her body after a valiant fight to overcome cancer.

Covid had disconnected us but I was lucky enough to have gotten reconnected with her and her wife last year and was there to help support them with massage over the past several months.

In her passing, Jade requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to 2 of her favorite causes and places, so I will be raising money for 2 causes this year.

I would be honored if you donated any amount big or small in her name...or you can send your donation to me and I will make sure it gets to the charity.

The first one is Deer Park Monastery...A zen monastery and mindfulness practice center in the mountains about an hour north of us. Jade and her wife often went up to Deer Park for days of mindfulness and retreats. The land there was beautiful and restful, and they were fortunate to attend the last retreat where Zen Master and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh taught.

The second is Volcano Arts Center - In general, the Volcano Park on the Big Island of Hawaii was a place of deep wonder and joyful retreat for Jade and her wife, and they often participated in cultural classes offered by the Volcano Arts Center in the Park while in Hawaii. During Covid, the online Hula Voices programming at the Volcano Arts Center provided a welcome touch of aloha during dark days. And on their last trip together in May they enjoyed the community "May Day is Lei Day" celebration and guided walk in the Niaulani Rain Forest preserve that is maintained by the Arts Center.

Send online donations to the Deer Park Monastery in memory of Jade Solan here: https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/donate

Send online donations to the Volcano Arts Center in memory of Jade Solan here: https://volcanoartcenter.org/

I'm attaching a picture of Jade and I from my 40th birthday in 2009. It captures her essence and playfulness.

I am so blessed and grateful to have known, loved and been called a friend by Jade. I will carry you in my heart forever. You will be missed❤️

This awesome message popped up on my Facebook memories...a great reminder to just do you and let it be messy. I've gotten to a good place in life where, for the most part, I don't care much anymore what people think. I have my circle of friends and confidants that I look to for advice and reflection but I've gotten to a place where most of the time I can turn down the external volume and just go about my business. So today...embrace the moment the best you can and do "it" anyway. I bet you if you are happy doing it...that is what people will see...and you just might inspire them to do something they are scared to do!!

What the heck is a PLANK-A-THON???

My Pilates studio is having a fundraiser...where we join teams and do a plank for as long as we can!

And how could I resist when Julie, one of my instructors, said her team is called Plank Meow!

Planking...for as long as you can...

Did I mention there was planking??

(seriously though...planking is great for building core strength which is at the heart of Pilates)

Sounds fun, right???

Well, maybe...but not as much fun as raising money for the American Heart Association!

So IF you would like to support Plank Meow and Club Pilates efforts to raise $10,000 for the American Heart Association....I will give you a discount on your next massage in the amount of your donation!

The event is on October 9..at the Mission Valley Club Pilates location (10330 Friars Rd. #112 - next to the new In N Out Burger) just in case you want to come cheer me on.

There will be food, drink and raffle prizes at the event...including a 60 minute massage from ME!

Any amount big or small makes a difference and helps the American Heart Association!

AND YOU GET A DISCOUNT ON YOUR NEXT MASSAGE! WIN-WIN!!

Thank you for your consideration and I hope to see you soon!

As my instructor Julie says...have a PLANKTASTIC day!

If you would like to donate to Club Pilates and support my team...Click here!

https://raiseyourwayforaha.funraise.org/fundraiser/club-pilates

Oh my lawd! I'm doing a Plank-A-Thon! Say what??

I've been doing Pilates at Club Pilates for a little over a year...and I ❤️❤️ my new studio in La Mesa! They are doing a Plank-A-Thon fundraiser and I decided to join a team! I mean, how could I resist when Julie, one of my instructors, said her team is called Plank Meow! All proceeds go to the American Heart Association!

As with any fundraiser...I am seeking donations...and BONUS...I will give you a discount on your next massage EQUAL to the amount you donate! (Only good for people who live in San Diego!).

So click below to donate and support Team Plank Meow!
As a side note...Club Pilates has made such a difference in my body and life. I have improved my posture, my upper back strength and I have less aches and pains from doing my massage work...and it makes hiking easier!! I have learned so much about my body and how the body works and improved on my anatomy knowledge. This is just a stellar company and I hope you will consider donating. Even $1 is helpful!

Thank you for your consideration!!!

https://raiseyourwayforaha.funraise.org/fundraiser/club-pilates

Wednesday Wisdom...You've got this...whatever you are facing today...you've survived 100% of everything that has ever happened to you. Trust that you will get through this minute..this day...this week!

Start your week with some kindness for yourself!

So my calendar tells me that not only is it Labor Day...it's also International Day of Charity! So give to anyone or anything that speaks to your heart! Give time if you don't have money...call someone or send an email or text to someone that needs a friendly voice...spread some kindness...If you are giving money...even $1 can make a difference.

AND that charity can be YOU!!! GIVE BACK TO YOU IF THAT IS WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN TODAY!

I know we are in the middle of a heatwave...but there is also a hot special happening now to keep you happier and healthier as we move into and through holiday season. Book here BEFORE stress sets in! www.backtolifemassagesd.com

Check out my September Newsletter where I ask...How do you want to feel this holiday season? I know we are in the middle of a heat wave...but the holidays are coming in hot very soon...so start planning your holiday self-care now! I've got a special you can read all about right here! https://www.backtolifemassagesd.com/campaigns/view-campaign/2B8CCjshX8rKllMzRvJu3vCWbRNivlZvsU7KneLd10DKs-fW3dXTMO-GoSyesmhPjc_hDG1gNso34Zxgbv-WDG5rZbpdiMP8

WEDNESDAY WINS!!! What is working this work? What can you celebrate? Big or small...Share your WINS in the comments! (and it can be that you got up and had coffee this morning!)

Start your self-care right now by saying something NICE to yourself! We all have negative, critical voices...challenge them today by NOT believing them...you are good, you are kind and you are love.

Sunday doesn't have to be the only funday of the week! How can you make MONDAY a FUNDAY?

I'm calling this Feeling Friday! No feeling is good or bad...right or wrong...they just are. Feel the feels. Better out than in! Move through it...journal, scream, take a walk, take a nap, take a time out...and take AS LONG AS YOU NEED! Feel it all today! Your feelings are valid, important and matter!

What is ONE small thing you can do today to start making YOURSELF a PRIORITY?

What is YOUR definition of wellness?

In case you forgot.

If not now...when?

Tell me something fun and exciting you are looking forward to today and this week!

Don't forget about yourself while you are taking care of everyone else.

No matter what is in store for your Saturday, make sure it includes some self-care!

How will you rest this weekend so you can come back even better next week?

This is a great exercise if you need a pick me up or to help you stay grounded and calm!

What is one small thing you can do for yourself today?

Monday motivation! Share what you LOVE about Monday! Get creative...have fun...be grateful!

Friday night fun with these lovelies! Took a evening paddle around Mission Bay to Seaworld and had a front row seat for the fireworks! Nothing like floating in the water and watching the show! Spectacular night!!!❤️❤️

What WIN can you CELEBRATE today?

Today I celebrate that I PAUSED when I saw something shiny that I wanted to buy but it wasn't something I had planned or budgeted for. I didn't get caught in FOMO...I browsed...I connected with the designer on Instagram...and will follow and plan a future purchase! I'm really proud of myself for NOT making an impulse purchase when I didn't have the funds to do it responsibly.

It's so easy to find what's WRONG in life...Celebrate your wins today! Notice what's WORKING for you today! Focus your attention on what you LIKE about your day! A little SELF-CARE goes a LONG way!

Timeline photos

Beautiful sky leaving work❤️

This is what my pilates teacher said to us at the end of class today!

Celebrate the crap out of yourself!

I encourage you to CELEBRATE THE CRAP OUT OF YOURSELF TODAY!

Whatever is going on in your life, your day, your week...Celebrate that you are showing up, doing the best you can, putting one foot in front of the other.

Celebrate the wins...even if the only thing you feel like you can celebrate is that you got your butt out of bed today!

There is nothing too small to celebrate!

Life is hard and kicks us in the a** sometimes.

Celebrate that you keep going...no matter what.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Holiday Specials start NOW!

My latest email blast!

I use the dreaded "H" word but in the best way!

Read all about it here!

https://www.backtolifemassagesd.com/campaigns/view-campaign/KzuTzYwBkDVlP8bjhE_oaN98TeKCGu0eH0yjqT-cL4xa_tHswm2iObPUswZonn78AJY62F4utdeQpEpBBPV_3NNr3ytNcx-a

Holiday Specials start NOW! I had some life that came up that took my focus away from staying in touch but I am now on the other side of most of it and am getting back into my regular routine.

This quote really spoke to me this morning.

There have been A LOT of life changes in the past few months and while I am on the other side of most of it, I am still settling into a new flow.

It's so easy to look back at what used to be and because it was familiar, it felt like everything was going "right".

And it's so easy to go to a critical place now and feel like everything is "wrong".

Nothing is wrong. It's just different.

And as life does, this too shall pass and it will be different again and again and again.

Earlier this week as I was stewing in all my negativity of what was wrong in my life, I ended up doing a meditation that was focused on gratitude...

And one of the things from that meditation was to reflect on all the things that were right and good about my day...

And that totally shifted me out my funk.

I'm not trying to stick my head in the sand and not be aware that bad or negative things are a part of life.

But I don't have to let that be my focus.

And when I meet myself and others where they are and acknowledge that I am doing my best and the people I care about are doing their best...it helps me stay in a more positive, loving and kind place.

There is so much goodness in life...I'm so grateful for noticing.

I'm including the link to the gratitude meditation. It's a lovely evening or anytime listen.❤️

https://insighttimer.com/julieelagrace/guided-meditations/ten-minute-evening-gratitude-meditation