You Don’t Need To Fly To Understand This Lesson
You do not need to have ever flown to understand this post, but for the benefit of those who have never flown, there is a moment before the flight takes off, that flight attendants explain and demonstrate, in the event oxygen masks drop from the ceiling of the cabin, you are to put yours on first. That is all you need to understand about the premise.
So, if you are flying with someone special to you, such as a spouse or a child, you must avoid doing what is instinctual, putting the mask of someone you love on them first, and make sure you put yours on first. Why? Because you will not have time to do both. How much time does someone have? Literally, seconds before you pass out, the oxygen in the cabin is gone that quickly when the masks drop. And if you pass out, or at best, get woozy from the loss of oxygen before even securing another’s mask, you will both die from lack of oxygen.
The point, as hard as it may seem, put your mask on first, then help others.
At least monthly, I use this analogy to get across to someone, not necessarily but often another fellow Hodgkin’s survivor. Put your mask on first, before helping another. So what does that mean in the “non flying” world? Just like on the plane, you need to take care of yourself first. Using the example of caring for someone who is ill or fighting a chronic illness or disease, this analogy is perfect.
Anyone who has had to take care of another, all the while juggling their own life, from taking care of their house, tending to other family members, and taking care of their own needs, knows that the role of a caregiver can be exhausting not just physically, but emotionally. It is important to recognize the need to take care of yourself if in that role, whether it be getting enough rest, eating properly, and simply remembering to take a break when needed. Just like with the plane’s oxygen mask reference, if while taking care of another, you are not taking care of your own needs, your body will make you, and not always with good results.
There is no shame or embarrassment in needing to take moments for yourself. It is not an act of selfishness to say “time out, I need to give myself a break and tend to my needs.” But if you are like most people I know, good hearted people who have a tendency to put others before themselves, you do find it hard to “put your mask on first.” It is okay, no, necessary for you to do just that. “Put your mask on first,” take care of yourself, no matter what stress or crisis you may be facing for someone else, because that is the only way that you will be around to be of the service that is needed of you.
Paul's Heart 