There are a handful of universal truths in this world. There are certain things that massage therapists know, through instinct and experience. Nope, I'm not talking about the philosophical stuff that comes with hands-on work. I'm talking the nitty gritty. The day to day details that can make or break us. Yesterday, I marveled at my ability to fill a bunch of oil bottles with no funnel and no spillage. Then I checked in with some friends, and we made a list of other Massage Realities and Weird Superpowers.

You can never have enough nail clippers.

Choosing the right tote bag is an art form, as is getting a massage table and all your gear into a compact car.

Sneezes can be stopped, also flatulence. And it's possible to go a whole hour without sniffling, even during ragweed season. Ignoring an itch on your face is practically a meditation.

Choosing the right deodorant is no joke.

Enya is not mandatory.

How many sets of sheets can effectively fit in one load of laundry. One too many and you'll be untying damp ones later.

Which breath mints work, and which ones just dissolve without doing anything.

In a pinch, anything can be turned into a headband or hair elastic.

How to sidestep the pool of drool beneath the face-down client.

A vacation is when you have enough days off in a row to justify a manicure.

When a half hour has passed without looking at a clock.

The rarity and excitement of finding an entire display of elbow length or 3/4 length sleeve tops.

A vacation is when your last-minute cancellations bunch tight enough to make a hole in your calendar.

How to breathe silently.

How to get the best deals on sheets and detergent on the continent. (It would be the planet, but ain't nobody got time for overseas shipping.)

The strike plate on the door frame is for amateurs. Turn the handle, close the door, then slowly release the handle.

It's hard to find:

an analog clock that doesn't tick.
a heating pad that doesn't beep when it turns off after 60 minutes, will stay on longer than 60 minutes, and doesn't blow out after 6 months of heavy use.
a space heater with a fan that runs constantly and independently of the thermostat.
But mostly....

No one can truly understand the humble gratitude that washes over us when we cradle a client's head in our hands and feel them give themselves over to us. - Rowan Blaisdell

Special thanks to my friends and colleagues Rowan, Tracy, Leslie, Ariana, Dale, Donna, Kat and Jenn for contributing to this post.

What did we miss?! Share in the comments!