You’ve heard it. I’ve heard it. We’ve all heard the oxygen mask cliché; how we need to put on our own mask on the aeroplane if there’s a loss of cabin air pressure, before we help our kids put on theirs.
However, knowing this one off by heart doesn’t mean that we necessarily heed the message and actually apply it in our lives.
I realise (as with everything) I’m only able to speak for me here. I know this stuff, although sometimes I’ve still found myself leaping in there to help a friend who’s feeling swamped with an errand – even though my own plate maybe full and I don’t actually have any spare time.
Reminds me of a great phrase I read in some Buddhist writings – ‘to know and not do, is to not yet know’
Knowing that it makes sense to make sure we’re rested, fuelled and focused before we dive into quality time with loved ones, or get our teeth stuck into a productive day at work, is all very well.
However if you’re anything like me, it takes consciously picking habits that set me up to feel my best, and then making sure I schedule those in every day to be sure I show up in the way I need to.
And the fascinating thing is, that if we opt not to – and instead run from pillar to post with no (or low) quality fuel in our tanks, and feeling less than centred, we need to realise that it’s not just us watching.
We’re in a glass house and clearly visible to others; especially those who are influenced by who and how we’re being. Like peers – and most importantly our dependants and kids.
I love the way we get to choose
Take away – If you can relate to not always putting yourself first on the map as you juggle responsibilities, I’d love to hear what you do to help get the balance back. Drop me a line (fi@fijamiesonfolland.com) or message me on FB.
I’d love to hear from you.
Fi Jamieson-Folland D.O, is a Lifestyle Consultant, with over 20 years experience in Europe, Asia and New Zealand as a qualified osteopath, educator, writer, certified raw vegan gluten-free chef, speaker and health mentor. She lives in NZ and Indonesia with her husband Chris, relishing an outdoor lifestyle and time with family and friends.
Thanks Fi – I love this article – it makes perfect sense. What I do to get the balance back is to create – it can be painting, sketching or just plain doodling it really does not matter. Once I start creating I can look at what is driving me from a helicopter position with less emotion, most times I come back to earth and try something different, and sometimes I forget. As you say it’s about the knowing 🙂
Angela