Upon entering a plane and settling into your seat, you are given instructions by the flight crew before takeoff. As part of the instructions you are told that, “Should the cabin experience sudden pressure loss, oxygen masks will drop down from above your seat. Place the mask over your mouth and nose.” This mask is said to be the first thing you should put on before anything else, including attempting to help another person.
Why do airlines feel the need to stress and emphasize putting your mask on first?
If you decide not to heed these instructions the consequences can mean the difference between life and death. Without the mask you slowly begin to lose oxygen which causes you to lose the ability to recognize faces and shapes and eventually you pass out. How helpful can you be if you can’t breathe and become unconscious – not helpful at all. 
So how should you react if you are in the care of someone during the emergency who can’t fend for themselves? A small child? The husband and wife? or the elderly? It’s quite clear – PUT YOUR MASK ON FIRST! You will be capable of focusing (pun intended) and taking better care of others, especially those you love.
The same applies to our daily lives. We are taking on so much and doing so much for others but are neglecting ourselves. We feel as though there is not enough time in the day to get things done. The truth is, we are not prioritizing our needs and wants. If we plan on being helpful to our family, friends or society, let’s make sure we have enough oxygen to save ourselves and then help others.
We must become more self aware and get out of the vicious cycle of just going thru the motions – just surviving – but not thriving. Living life as Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog day. If we are to stop this cycle and make change, we have to start doing things differently to bring about change – just like in the movie.
Wow…I am so guilty of this. Thank you for this reminder! I have to do better.
You will do better; it’s a process. Be patient with yourself.
Thank you for visiting the page.
Great advice and reminder.
I hope it serves you well. Thank you for visiting the page.
Well I can certainly relate to this! I would always make sure that the family was taken care of first but would forget about myself in the process! This resulted in my losing myself and drowning in the process! It took me a long time to realize that I needed my own oxygen mask just to get myself back which included things like eating better, taking time out for myself, exercising and taking overall better care of ME! Wonderful insight!!
We humans are creatures of habit and therefore consistency and patience is required when deciding to change a behavior we are familiar with. Taking care of ourselves will provide a better foundation not only for ourselves but also for those in our care. I’m glad the article resonated with you. Comments like yours remind us that #self-love is not practiced enough. We will continue bringing awareness and advocating change for #self-love. Thank you for your comment.
So true
The difficult part in doing this for me is feeling guilt. Somehow the attempt to put myself first gives me the feeling of being a bad mom, daughter and wife. I’ve tried it and it’s not easy.
Elizabeth,
It’s important to remember that we all feel guilty at one point or another; this is normal. Our thoughts however are not always based on facts. We all want to be the best spouse, parent and child to our parents, but life requires balance. We must allow ourselves to recharge, refresh and renew our mental, physical and spiritual selves so that we don’t become overburdened. Being patient with yourself is how you make this transition. If you would like to discuss this further please send us an email. Thank you for posting and sharing your experience.
Consistent and thorough message. This website guides the visitors like a 360° tour. Self love and self sacrifice are not synonymous and they yield varied results. This site helps to guide and retrain the mind. Looking forward to continued reading… thank you!
Well said, many must struggle to understand this. This should be an eye opener.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for your feedback.