Oxygen

It always surprises me a little that I have a gut reaction to the flight attendant’s cheerful mandate to put one’s own mask on before assisting others, in the event of an emergency. I’ve thought about what I would do in an emergency on a plane with my kids—because I am the queen of visualizing all worst case scenarios—and I am nearly certain that in my panic and anxiety, I would put my kids’ oxygen masks on first.

The thing is, the flight attendant is right. I mean, obviously. You’re no use to anyone incapacitated. I would be absolutely useless to my kids if I were also unconscious due to lack of oxygen. You have to tend to your own needs before you can help others.

I’ve been thinking about that lately. I am so quick to try to make things right for others, or to fix the situation so they remain happy and healthy. But, I know it starts with me being OK… and, I’m working to get myself OK so that I can tend to the important people in my life. I’m putting on my own mask first (or, at least, trying).

Day 153.