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| My journey to DoveStar actually began about 7 ½ years ago in Greenwood, South Carolina. I had just gotten married and had no idea what to do with myself. I had just received my Bachelors degree in vocal performance with no prospects or jobs on the horizon. For the first six months we were married, I stayed at home and attempted to discover what was expected of me as a housewife for a Director of Music in the United Methodist Church. I am very lucky that my husband is very supportive and doesn’t place any expectations on me, however I felt as if I had to be perfect and content. Well, of course I set myself for a tremendous failure and became extremely depressed.
We then decided that we couldn’t financially survive on only one income, so I began to look for a job. Given my job skills and type of college degree, I assumed I was limited to clerical work. I then began a 7 ½ year career as an administrative assistant and joined the ranks of the unhappily employed. During this time I have been painfully aware that I want and even need something more in my career – not knowing what I would experience and discover about myself along the way I would continuously express, both to my family and myself, the many characteristics I desired in a job and the reasons why clerical/office work wasn’t for me. This identification process allowed me to begin to understand who I am and what I truly want. In August of 2003, I went with my husband and brother-in-law to California on vacation. While on this trip, my brother-in-law, regular Avalon (DoveStar partner) client, began describing his experience at the spa and rave how wonderful everyone is, how impressed he was on the training of the students and the environment. As he explained the details, I began to realize that this could very well what I was looking for. When I returned home, I immediately scheduled an interview. After the interview was complete, I knew right away that I had most likely found where I was meant to be. My first class was in October – of course I still was not really aware of what to expect. I assumed it would be, at most, a training program for a new career. I had no idea that I needed, much less would even allow myself, to emerge as a real and whole being. During my courses, I began to discover me, not just that I am a wife and a singer, but that I have desires, hopes, a purpose and value. I found that I am truly acceptable just as I am without apologies and excuses. I learned that I deserve to lead the life I want and do what I love to do. I am responsible for myself and my choices – the possibilities are endless. I now understand that I do deserve to have real joy. I have also come to realize that I am a talented person and an excellent massage practioner! I have been and will continue to be renewed every day by the teachers, staff and other students – they have all accepted and nurtured me as part of the family. I now have a new career that I adore and a whole new circle of people to love who love me unconditionally. I can’t wait to get started! Rebecca Thompson
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