Put on Your Oxygen Mask

If you have ever taken a flight, the attendant teaches you to apply your own oxygen mask before helping others in the event of an emergency.  I know this analogy is a bit extreme, but there is so much truth to it. 

If you don’t take care of yourself first, how can you possibly help the others in your life? I know this is easier said than done.  As humans, we want to take care of those around us who are important to us.  This applies to everyone. Mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, grandparents, daughters, sons, siblings, friends, co-workers, the list goes on and on.

This really hit me after our last relocation. When we moved into our current home, my son was just over 4 months old, the boxes were piled up high, we had no social network to help us, no babysitters, and no family close by.  I was completely exhausted.  My husband was working 12 hour days and incredibly stressed from his new position. Of course, I ended up having a break down. I was drowning in life. 

I used a lifeline and phoned a good friend. Her words were so powerful and so true.  She said to me, "You are a wife and a mother. You are the center of your family.  If you are not happy, no one else will be happy around you. Your mood and presence effects everyone in the room.  If you are sad, your children will be sad. If you are in a bad mood, when your husband gets home from work, he will immediately be in a bad mood too."

um. Whoa.  She was 100% right.

I am important.  I deserve to feel good. I deserve to be happy.  I deserve to feel rested.  I deserve to be healthy.

Often times, we lose focus and get stuck in our everyday life, running.  The stress, pressure, overbooked schedules, worry, endless checklists, and/or constant on the go lifestyles. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed or even neglecting yourself. STOP. Put on your oxygen mask first.  Listen to your mind and body. There's a reason why you might feel the way you do. The people in your life will notice a difference in YOU once you give yourself what it needs.  You will become a better mother, father, husband, wife, grandparent, daughter, son, sibling, co-worker, and/or friend.

Thank you for being here and reading along.
Love, Rose

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