Secure Your Mask

If you’ve been on a plane, you’ve heard that famous safety announcement, preparing each passenger for potential danger.  When I was a teenager, a particular portion stood out to me:

In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you…if you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.

I was shocked.  How selfish is that?!  My parents trained me well and taught me the value of putting others’ needs before my own.  I thought to myself, “I’d rather die trying to help everyone else than to put on my mask before them!”

It wasn’t until a few years later, when that announcement came to my attention again, that I realized the significance of that notion.  If I have a desire to help others, I must have the physical, emotional, and spiritual strength to do so.  I simply cannot sustain a 100% selfless lifestyle because eventually, I’m going to burn out.

The notion of sacrificing something to help another person is sometimes a good quality with great results, while other times, the risk is too high.  For example, let’s talk about what I like to call, “mom guilt.”  Moms are great and they work hard (as do dads, I know!), but what I’ve found in the fitness industry is the unfortunate occurrence of moms who put their children before them so much that they suffer for it.  I’m going to be blunt here.  If you really love your child and want the best for him/her, you absolutely must do what it takes to stay healthy.  The time you invest in your health is time invested in their well being.

I know it can be tough to find the time for “X,” but if you don’t make the time, you’ll lose your time.

It’s ok to care for yourself; don’t ever forget that you are worth it!

So I encourage you to secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.  It’s a win-win for both.

Make it Happen!
Coach Sarah