Please Put Your Oxygen Mask On

“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”

— Jean Shinoda Bolen

• I still struggle with this on a day-to-day basis. So just know, this might be an easy lesson to read but a hard lesson to take action on. But you know the saying about when an airplane is going down you need to put your oxygen mask on first? Well, I personally feel this applies to life in general. And even saying this makes me feel so guilty and cringe! What will people think when I say that I need to do something for just MYSELF?!
• But here’s some reasons why you should:
  • My husband jokes, but will say “a happy wife is a happy life” and although that might not be totally true, there is some truth in it. When you’re happy, others can feel it and by default it can put them in a better mood. If you’re stressed or unhappy they can feel that too.
  • If you aren’t taking time to take care of your body then your body someday won’t perform for you. And if you are having medical issues (sick, tired, etc.) then how are you going to take care of your family, your house, your job?
  • Some people say AFTER they got sick it was a blessing in disguise as it made them slow down and reassess what they needed and/or what was important to them. Well honey, here is your message to take the time NOW and not wait till you get sick. It’s way more fun to do fun things when you aren’t sick than when you are going through chemo or other illnesses, trust me, I’ve been there! 
  • It’s our obligation to give ourselves space to do the things that make us happy. We owe it to ourselves, to our families and friends, and to the world. We need a world full of happier people, not burned out individuals. 

Ho Ho Ho – A Holiday Message: 

• I send this message out now because many of us are going into the holiday season and we let go of the things that make us happy for family obligations. This is necessary at times, but don’t lose sight of what YOU need over these holidays. If you give up on your needs, you may have resentment and/or frustration towards family and friends. So really, for the good of all those you’re around, do what you need to make yourself happy this holiday season….and for the future too! 

Being a YES Person…most of the time: 

• I’m a “YES” person by default! I want to do it all and I typically pile on a lot to try to achieve this. But I am learning that by saying yes to one thing that means I’m saying no to something else. So keep this in mind before you commit to activities, is this really how you want to spend your time?
  • My friends know this too. They know I’m not the person that will join them for a drink as that’s not really my thing, but I will happily have a beer with them after we get a mountain bike ride in. I’ve learned to be okay with saying no to invitations and making up where I can and want too. 

What Does Self Care Look Like To You?

• Not sure where to start for some self love?
  • If you did the exercises on the newsletter we sent a few months ago then you should have made a list of what sets your soul on fire. Pick something there.
    • If you didn’t see that newsletter you can read it HERE.  
  • My mom has a rule that every day she is going to do one FUN thing for herself. So take a few minutes to write out what you find fun and start there.
  • No time to figure it out now? Then just start with a walk outside. Or choose an activity you have told yourself you’d do when you had more time in your life and go do that tomorrow.  
  • Sidenote- let’s normalize taking breaks in the middle of the workday for a walk or something refreshing. I never did this when I was a W2 employee as I had guilt that I was supposed to be in front of the computer from 9-5 the entire time. But if you are business owner, push your peeps to go outside! They’ll come back more productive and full of new ideas and energy! You will too! 🙂 

Place Oxygen Masks on Your Loved Ones Next: 

• As the flight attendant tells us, once you have your mask secure then go help others around you. So, as you are figuring out what you might need this holiday season and in the future, remember to think about what those around you may need as well.
  • Is your significant other an introvert that expels a lot of energy over the holidays? Perhaps you need to build in some “quiet time” for them while you’re with your crazy, loud, fun, energetic family. 
  • Is your toddler overstimulated by the holidays? They may need extra snuggles to help them through. 
  • Another good reminder- who do you know spending the holidays alone? Can they join some of your festivities? If not, even a text or phone call can go a long way. So, think about that now before the festivities start and compile a list of people to reach out too! 

We hope you have a fabulous holiday season full of yummy treats, good times with family and friends, and a little (or a lot) of space for yourself!