Deana on Deservability

As caregivers and nurturers, we tend to be so busy taking care of everyone else that we neglect to look after number one. Not only are we too busy to take care of ourselves, we put ourselves at the very bottom of the priority list. Everyone else is more important. Even if we managed to reach the top of the priority list, and found the time to do something about it, feelings of guilt or selfishness often keep us from doing something for ourselves.

When the flight attendants are reviewing the safety procedures on an aircraft, they really stress the importance of placing the air mask on yourself first before you help a child to put on their mask. If you do not continue breathing, you are not going to be able to help the child and make sure they can continue breathing. There is a definite and important balance between serving yourself and serving others.

The reality is, if we are not taking care of ourselves and recharging our batteries, we will be of little value to those around us. Sure, we can continue to go through the motions, but ultimately the stress and strain we are under will definitely impact the energy we are giving off. Not only does the level of care decrease, but the negative energy we are feeling will be passed along to those we love. This causes a negative chain reaction and downward spiral which affects everyone important to us.

Another important point to consider is that the child needs to see you put your air mask on safely first, in order for them to know it is ok to put on their mask. This can help to relieve their fear and calm them down.

It is so important that we set the example to our children that it is not just ok, but rather necessary to take care of yourself. We need to send the message to them that they are important and deserve to live a happy life filled with self-love and contentment.

Move yourself up your priority list today. Take some well deserved you time. You deserve everything that you send out to yourself and to others, so be nice to yourself too. You are a unique person, there are things in this world that only you can do, and lives that only you can touch. If you don't love you, nobody else can either.