Do I Have My Oxygen Mask On?

Ladies and Gentlemen -   On behalf of the captain and the entire crew, we welcome you aboard Flight 2014, nonstop service for life!  At this time, make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Also make sure your seat belt is correctly fastened.  We suggest that you keep your seat belt fastened throughout the flight, as we may experience turbulence.  In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.

Many life lessons can be learned from a flight attendants instructions...the Captain (God) is in control; keep seats upright (good posture is important), their will be turbulence (in life) so keep those seat belts fastened, and finally, make sure you put on your oxygen mask first before helping others.

A few weeks ago I started meeting with a new therapists. This was a very difficult but necessary step for my well being and recovery from my eating disorder. My new therapist is Landry and things are working out pretty well. I like her and even though it's very different from my therapy in South Carolina, I feel a new surge of hope and encouragement to work towards recovery.

Last week I was discussing with Landry about a difficult day. We charted out the events of the day and talked about what I could have done differently. It was helpful to see the bumps and challenges along the path that I could have handled in diverse ways. Then Landry asked me if I have ever flown before. I have. She reminded me of the safety speech given by the flight attendants regarding oxygen masks. Before you help anyone, be it child, or old person, or injured person, you must put on your mask first!  If you fail to follow these guidelines you risk running out of air and passing out or dying and then you can't help anyone!  Then Landry asked me, "Do you have your oxygen mask on?"

As I looked through the chart of events from my difficult day I realized I had been too busy helping others with their masks and had neglected my own.  Like everything in life, this is a balancing act. I can't neglect others or become self centered, but I need to take care of me. This is difficult for me. I like taking care of and helping others, but if I think about the oxygen mask parable, I can see the logical reasoning behind taking care of me first. I can't let my self become too busy with others to not take care of my basic needs.

So this week I am starting some new goals...it's not New Years Eve, but it is a new school year.  Here are my daily oxygen masks I need to put on first before I help others:
Eat healthy and sufficient meals
Exercise
Read scriptures
Pray
Yoga/Stretching
Adequate sleep
I don't have to spend hours doing these things, I just have to do them. I have to do it for my friends and family. I can't help them if I am not the best me I can be. I also need to learn and accept that it's ok to do it for myself. Buddha said, "You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love & affection."

Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. Thank you