Who am I and what path led me to reflexology?

I’m Wendy Dalzell; a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend. I was a self-employed transcriptionist before becoming a diploma qualified reflexologist and remedial massage therapist who is passionate about the benefits that can be gained through regular reflexology and massage. You would think after 50 years of living and shouldering all the responsibilities that come with being a wife-mother-daughter-sister-friend with a successful home business, my path in life would be pretty much laid down solid and all I’d have to do is put one foot in front of the other and follow it. Well I don’t know why, perhaps it’s a rebellious streak, call me a later maturer, whatever you like, but I’ve always been one to seek out the curvy path where you can’t see what’s coming around the next bend when, for others, the straight path would do just fine. But for me, life is about always growing, always seeking new challenges. For several years I have practiced Tai Chi, as well as taking up karate training at 43 (remember, late maturer). Martial arts training is holistic, with foundations in Chinese philosophy teaching the principle of respect and discipline of mind, body and spirit. I have long held an interest in natural complementary therapies and their benefits in combination with Western medicine. I passionately believe that a synergistic blend of stress-reduction, exercise, good food and clean water, fresh air, sunshine, natural therapies, and bodywork is the best way to prevent illness. I also believe that Western medicine has a place in helping us overcome serious diseases. So how did reflexology appear around the bend in my personal path? Thank you for asking. I had been thinking about a change in career for a while; something that would allow me to interact with people but also where I could help ease their stresses. I also wanted this something to be along the lines of a natural therapy. With these thoughts always vaguely in the back of my mind, several years ago I was taking a weekend break, wandering through the markets in beautiful Bangalow, NSW, when I came upon a stallholder offering 20-minute foot reflexology sessions. Now I don’t know about anybody else, but I just adore having my feet rubbed. So naturally, I took the opportunity to have what I thought was a simple foot massage. How naïve was I! That 20-minute ‘foot rub’ changed my life. The energy I felt travel through me from that reflexology therapist’s hands left me thinking Wow, this is what I’ve been looking for. This chance encounter crystalized my vague thoughts and gave me the goal to aim for that I knew would fulfil my desire to help others through natural therapy. The Bangalow Epiphany, as I have come to think of it, was one of those ‘in the right place at the right time’ moments. As soon as I returned home to Brisbane I started researching reflexology and the more I read about it, the more fascinated I became. I made the decision to study for a Diploma of Reflexology and the rest, as they say in the classics, is history. The more I practise my craft the more I learn, and seeing the positive effects my clients enjoy reinforces my conviction that everyone should include regular reflexology and massage sessions as a part of maintaining their health.