Put the Oxygen Mask on You Before Placing it on Your Child
Good morning!
I could not wait to run this morning. I noticed I felt unusually stressed and overwhelmed and exercise, especially running, helps me sort things out. I realized it was an incredibly busy week with many high priority demands. Also, I had some disappointments that I needed to work through.
During my run, I thought of a phrase I used to recite to myself when I was losing my weight. We’ve all heard some version of it when we fly. The flight attendant runs down the safety checks before take off and holds up the oxygen mask and states something like “should we lose cabin pressure an oxygen mask will drop down…place the oxygen mask on you before placing it on your child.”
This is a prhase I used often as I was losing over 140 poungs. I continue to remember this phrase now through maintenance. And like today, I use this phrase to help me put things into perspective.
280 Pounds in 2004
When I was obese at 280 pounds, I used to take care of everyone else before me. Feeling exhausted and emotionally spent, I often turned to food for comfort. Through the weight loss process, I learned that I could meet the needs of so many other people by taking care of my needs first!
Now at 135 pounds
2007
I learned that I feel better about taking care of the needs of others once my needs are met first. And, I don’t feel guilty about this at all. In fact, many comment on my great attitude and unselfish ways as I am helping them.
This takes some getting used to but just for today, try to do one nice thing for you.
Remember, put the oxygen mask on you first!
Have a great day,
Georgene
