Yesterday tested my professional values in an unexpected way.
At 16:30, I had an appointment with a new guest. As always, I had everything prepared — the space was ready, the energy was calm, and I looked forward to welcoming someone new into my practice. New clients are a joy: fresh faces, new stories, and the potential to build trust and healing from scratch.
Then at 15:45, I received a call from an old client. A familiar voice, one I’ve known and supported for years. He was in pain — intense back pain, the kind that leaves him nearly immobilized. I’ve helped him through these episodes before. He trusts me. He doesn’t call unless he’s truly in crisis.
The only time he could come? 16:30.
And that’s where the ethical conflict hit.
Out of respect for the new guest, I tried to call them to see if we could shift the appointment. Just a little. Maybe they’d be flexible. Maybe not. But I wanted to ask. I called — no answer. I waited. I called again — still nothing. No response. No cancellation.
So I waited. I stayed committed to the original appointment. I honored my professional word.
But 16:30 came and went. The new guest never showed. No explanation. No message. Just silence.
And in that silence, I missed the chance to help someone who genuinely needed me.
This experience isn’t about frustration — it’s about mutual respect and shared responsibility. When someone books an appointment, that time becomes sacred. Not just for them, but for others who may need it. A simple cancellation or reschedule notice can make all the difference.
So I ask you, dear reader:
What would you have done in my place?
Would you have honored the first booking, or helped the person in pain?
More importantly — if you couldn’t keep an appointment, would you remember to cancel?
Because sometimes, what we do with other people’s time says more about us than we think.
Hello!