International Chiropractic Pediatric AssociationWhen travelling by plane, we are always given the airline safety announcement that tells passengers “…in the event of loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop down from above. You should always put on your own mask first and then attend to others who might need assistance”. In Australia, we were reminded of this recently when a Qantas jet flying from Adelaide to Melbourne depressurised suddenly. Many passengers were likely tempted in the moment to ignore those instructions and instinctively take care of any small children or elderly people seated nearby. But airlines offer this life-saving tip with good reason: You can only adequately care for others when you’ve taken proper steps to take care of yourself.
As parents, we are regularly so focused on serving others that we sometimes do so at our own expense. Often, the price we pay is reflected in our energy levels and drive to get things done. The less oxygen we give ourselves, the less energy and enthusiasm we will have to serve others.
Here are some examples of where the habit of serving others first can creep into your life and your practice:
- Squeezing needy clients in at the end of a shift
- Never saying “no” to your kids, clients or work colleagues
- Not stopping to reflect on your values
- Knowing better what pleases others than yourself
- Not voicing your opinions or concerns
- Rarely finding enough time (or finances) for a holiday
- Infrequently asking others for help
Caring for yourself better by putting your own oxygen mask on first can result in increased presence, more drive, improved physical and emotional well-being, greater happiness, less emotional sensitivity and more inspiration (from within), ultimately leading to higher levels of effectiveness and success.
We all hope and plan never to run out of energy or motivation. If you can see yourself in any of the above examples, please refer to the safety instructions immediately. That way, you will be in a much better state to help others in need.
[Source: http://www.powerful-practices.com/store/default.asp?ezcamp=PracticePointers]
