Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask First

This week, a friend and former gym member started private training with me. She bought 10 sessions back in November during my annual Black Friday sale. It’s taken her until now to get started because, like so many people, she has been sacrificing herself for the people in her life whom she loves. She is caring for an elderly and very sick family member. And her children. And her husband. And herself. Barely herself. It’s noble. It’s from a great place. But it isn’t sustainable.

Another former student has had 2 children and a promotion at work within the last 4 years. She is a mother and a wife who works 14 hour days. She called me this week. “Something has to give. I can’t do this anymore without doing something for myself,” she said.

Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask First.

You’ve heard the cliches:

You can’t give from a place of lack.

You being hungry won’t help someone starving in Africa.

If you truly want to give someone love, love yourself first.

Self care is not selfish.

But they’re true. If you give give give your tank will be empty. Find SOMETHING for you. Whether it’s a half hour fitness session three times a week or 10 minutes of meditation before the rest of your family wakes up, find something to recharge. Both you AND the people who care about you and who you care for will thank you. Put on your own oxygen mask first.

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