Massage Em

Two years ago, I was screenshotting photos of this incredible house I had found in Morrinsville, dreaming about what it could be. 🥹

I had this grand vision for what is now my massage room, and all these ideas about what Massage Em could become. I just had to back myself and see where it went...Failure wasn't an option.

Fast forward to now, and Massage Em turns TWO next month. This week, I'm heading to the business awards, and honestly, how is this even my life?!

Sometimes we get so caught up in what's next that we forget to stop and appreciate what we've already achieved.

I started this little business with a dream, and it's grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined. The version of me taking these screenshots could only have hoped we'd be here two years later.

I'm still dreaming big. There's so much more I want to do, an incredible new place I want to move to and I'm so excited about what's ahead. But this week, I'm taking a moment to feel proud of how far I've come. ❤️

To every client who has booked, recommended me, purchased a voucher or supported my business in any way, thank you. You have helped make this possible, and I genuinely wouldn't be here without you!! 🤍

Sometimes you need to stop focusing on the next goal and realise you've already made a dream come true.

Bloody grateful for this little business of mine.

Emma

Sorry, can’t talk. Busy protecting my peace at Em’s 💋

School holidays are over, the mum chaos is back, and my notifications? SILENCED. 🔕😂

Sometimes the best way to get back into work mode is to disappear for a little reset first. 🔥🧖‍♀️

Things you’re 100% allowed to do during your massage 🤍

Because your comfort comes FIRST.

No awkwardness, no judgement, no pressure to do anything but relax. 🫶🏼

Consider this your little reminder that your massage is YOUR time. ✨

Save this for your next appointment or send it to someone who needs to hear it! 💆🏼‍♀️

“You weren't even that big.”

Long weightloss surgery post incoming...

I've heard this a few times recently and it got me thinking about how much people misunderstand weight loss surgery.

The first photo is me two days after gastric bypass surgery. The second is me last week, having lost over 40kg.

And while the physical difference is visible, what you can't see in these photos is the journey that brought me here.

Before surgery, I was around 109kg at 5'3". But my decision wasn't simply about a number on the scales or how I looked in the mirror. My health, my quality of life and my future were all part of that decision.

So let's talk about what weight loss surgery actually is.

Gastric bypass isn't a magic fix, and it certainly isn't the easy way out.

During a gastric bypass, the surgeon creates a smaller stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine. This means you can eat much smaller portions, and your body absorbs nutrients differently. Changes to gut hormones also influence hunger, fullness and blood sugar regulation.

It is a major operation that requires careful preparation, medical assessment and lifelong follow-up.

After surgery, your entire relationship with food changes.

You have to learn to eat differently, chew thoroughly, eat slowly and recognise when you've had enough. Foods you once enjoyed might no longer agree with you. Eating too quickly or having too much can leave you feeling incredibly unwell.

You have to prioritise protein, take prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements, attend follow-up appointments and have regular blood tests to monitor for deficiencies.

There can be complications, nutritional deficiencies, hair loss, food intolerances and dumping syndrome. Your mental and emotional relationship with food and your changing body can be a journey of its own.

And the weight doesn't tell the whole story. Weight loss is different for everyone, and surgery doesn't guarantee a particular result.

So when someone says, “You weren't even that big,” I think about what that comment misses.

You cannot determine someone's health, medical needs or personal circumstances just by looking at their body.

You don't know their medical history. You don't know what they've tried, what they've struggled with or what their healthcare team has recommended.

And you certainly don't know what it took for them to make that decision.

I didn't have surgery to prove how big I was. I didn't need to reach a certain size to deserve help.

I made a decision about my own body, my own health and my own future.

I'm proud of the over 40kg I've lost, but I'm also proud of the work that goes into looking after myself now. This journey didn't end when I left the hospital. In many ways, that's where the real work began.

Weight loss surgery isn't the easy way out. It's a tool, and learning to live with that tool takes commitment, support and ongoing care.

Please be kind when talking about someone's body or their decision to have surgery. You don't need to understand someone's entire journey to respect it. ❤️

If you got this whole way through let me know below by putting your favourite food emoji, there might be a sneaky reward for you ;)

Emma x

🚨 BUSY SEASON GIVEAWAY! 🚨

We’ve teamed up with some incredible local businesses to bring you one HUGE giveaway! 💗

From relaxation and beauty to photography, Pilates and more, there’s a little something for everyone! ✨

Head over to our Instagram to check out the prizes and enter!

You won’t want to miss this one! 👀💕

A little support can mean so much during one of life’s hardest moments. 🤎

Through Massage After Miscarriage Aotearoa , I’m honoured to offer free massage support to women who have experienced pregnancy loss at any stage.

This is more than just a massage. It’s a safe space to slow down, breathe, rest and allow yourself to be cared for physically and emotionally.

You can choose between a 20-minute sauna + 40-minute massage, or a 60-minute massage, completely free of charge.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this support, speak with your midwife about being referred. 🤍

Please feel free to share this post, you never know who may need to see it. 🫶🏼