Imagine that sheer delight,  that feeling of accomplishment that instantly wafts over you when you find an item you’ve been searching for without success for what seems like forever. 

The greater buzz to be had is the absolute thrill of coming across something you didn’t realise you’d lost! 

Which is exactly what happened to me just last week. 

Wading through the detritus of old advertising pamphlets, receipts and paperwork which I manage to acquire, grow and then harvest into so many little piles, only to be stashed away on shelves or in drawers, out of sight and mind. Until, with sheer determination, and a little guilt thrown in, I give in and allocate myself an hour to weed through and throw out.

And there it was. 

Bliss, hidden in the paperwork. A spa voucher bought for me as a birthday gift by one of my kids. A voucher nearly three years old and about to expire. Oh how timely, and just what I needed, a freshen up, a makeover, a relaxing few hours after a particularly challenging few months.

Endota staff in Kiama could not be any more welcoming, it was perfect. I was to have a relaxing massage, and after waiting a short time in a cushioned, comfy anteroom listening to tinkling sounds, breathing in the lush herbal scents and sipping on a lavender tea to induce calm, I was ushered into a low lit room for my much anticipated, very much needed massage. My attendant was graceful, softly spoken, and her sweet caring manner filled me with confidence. I was literally going to be in very good hands.

I was given a choice of which essential oils I preferred, by way of inhaling each of four fragrances, and then, lying face down, felt very strong, experienced hands start to work on my uncomfortably tight body parts. Warmth was added by way of hot stones, soothing and relaxing my back and leg muscles. If I needed the pressure of the massage to change I simply asked. All care was taken by my very professional masseur to guarantee my comfort, whilst also being mindful of my need for modesty. Turning over from back to front on a massage table when you’re half naked cannot be done with aplomb, or any sort of prettiness, and so my attendant held up a towel very discreetly to shield us both. Then, from the tips of my toes, to my neck and head, the oil and warmth and her strong fingers as she kneaded away the stresses and strains of daily life almost put me to sleep.

Too soon, the time had come for me to get back into the here and now of the daily grind.

Almost sinfully relaxed and unrushed I dressed, my skin and body feeling renewed, and I floated, or it felt like I did, into the rest of my day. 

Finding my voucher had been a gift received again. 

And I’ve decided that at my tender age and stage, I will ensure a pampering massage is a regular part of my wellness routine. The booking for a month hence has already been made.