I know, I know…living healthier and happier is all about being ‘unselfish’ and giving to others right? Absolutely! That’s definitely one of the keys. However, women today are weighed down with so many responsibilities and most of the time because they are constantly giving, giving, and giving not only to their family and career, but also to other projects and things simply because they haven’t learned the art of saying “No.”
“While it might seem noble in the short run to sacrifice the needs you have to cultivate your mind, body, and spirit, over time it’s a recipe for burnout. ~Stew Friedman, Better Leader, Richer Life.
I believe whole-heartedly in giving of our money, time, and energy to bless those around us, but today we’re going to live healthier and happier by taking care of ourselves first and be a little selfish! Have you been on a flight lately and paid attention to the flight attendant’s instructions? Usually, I’m just trying to get myself situated but on one of my flights, I actually paid attention to the attendant’s instructions. She informed passengers that in an event of an emergency landing, should the oxygen masks drop that we should first take the oxygen mask and place it over our own face, then help the person next to us. Boy, we can learn a lesson here!
Would that be selfish for us to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first? We are busy trying to put the oxygen mask on those around us, while our own oxygen levels are decreasing to dangerous levels. What happens when we lose oxygen that’s required for life? You don’t have to guess. Ladies, we are dying…spiritually, emotionally, and physically when we do not take the time to invest first in our own well-being.
An undeniable research by Stew Freidman and Jeff Greenhaus in Work and Family – Allies or Enemies?: What Happens When Business Professionals Confront Life Choices,
Let’s start putting the oxygen mask on ourselves first. Go ahead; be selfish! Take time out for you-do something fabulous, treat yourself to “ME” time. You’d be surprised what 20-30 minutes will do to improve your health! Your loved ones will ultimately be healthier and happier as a result!
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Thats definitely the word for us all!!
Thanks for posting Duong, this is so important for Women to Understand it is ok to take some time out for you(smile)which it took a long time for me to learn since I’m the main caretaker in my whole family the Mask example is excellent.. Love the Post hey stop by my Blog I’m up and running now Blogging is still new to me any suggestion’s or comments I would love Grandma is doing a little better so I have some free time this weekend for me so I will take your advice
God Bless Katrina
This is so great and so true, but I do have this problem, and no matter how much I try to balance myself it does not seem to work. I did let go of one project just last week, that was a surprise to myself. Sometimes I think I overestimate what I am able to handle.
Yeah Dawn-That’s right…and I bet your husband noticed it too!! Good For you– Thanks for sharing!!
Duong, I love this idea. I felt so refreshed after taking time yesterday to enjoy a lovely meal and a facial (with you know who!). I never do that, and yet, it makes such a difference in how I feel physically, how I feel about myself, and how I relate to others. It’s great to remind ourselves that yes, we matter! I was reading somewhere that “extreme self care”–making exercise, grooming, nutrition and rest priorities–is a key to success in life. If you don’t take care of yourself first, you can’t bring your best to any situation. Great post, girlfriend!
I recently gave someone that same advice: put your own mask on first. If you pass out, you are no good to anyone else.
It’s hard for women sometimes because we are nurturers, but we have to give ourselves permission to care for ourselves, even if we are criticized for it.
Wow thanks so much for this reminder. As women we go and do all the time for mostly others. What a wonderful reminder!
Sandra Hersey