Airplane Safety

When we travel with our kids we always come back with funny stories. And plane rides are no exception. Every time my "middlest"gets on the airplane, she immediately puts on her seat belt, tightens it until she can’t breath, and reads the airplane safety pamphlet. She memorizes it in case there is a problem with the plane. If you give her any situation she can tell you what emergency contingency plan to use. She will even shush people if they talk during the flight attendant announcements. That’s super fun, right? Yes, we know how to party.

But If you have ever flown on an airplane you know this directive; put your oxygen mask on first and then help others around you. Now hopefully you will never have to use the airplane oxygen mask or the flotation device for that matter (although now I know where this is and have read the directions about how to use it).

I digress. While you might never need to use these safety instructions the sentiment of the directive is important. It’s important to take care of yourself first so you can care of those around you. Now this might seem selfish at times but it’s vital to your emotional health. Often people neglect themselves while taking of others which leads to emotional exhaustion.

Preventing emotional exhaustion is an important part of protecting yourself so that you can endure the challenges ahead. If you are exhausted and don't readjust, negative consequences could occur. You are more likely to make impulsive decisions, to be physically ill, and live in general chaos. And no one likes that...not your kids, not your work, not the committee you are on, etc. Functioning in chaos is not good for anyone, so acknowledge and prioritize your own needs.

In keeping with this sentiment, I cannot pour from an empty cup. I will be pairing my blogging down moving forward. I am reducing hospital hours and taking on a new teaching role while continuing to grow my private practice. I have been blessed by the support for my new practice. Truthfully, I am amazed when people read my blogs and reference them back to me. I plan to focus on pacing now. Pacing is as important as anything we do for self care. So in order to take care of my clients to the best of my ability while transitioning to a new teaching role, I will be cutting back to monthly blogging. Unless my kids or my husband do something really funny that I need to share. I like them a lot and for better or worse they are often the source of my inspiration.

If you want to work on pacing this year, put on your oxygen mask first, then make an appointment. It can be that easy to prioritize your own needs. I can help you with that.