A few events over the last 24 hours got me thinking about this idea of selflessness and many people's intrinsic need to put others before themselves, also known as martyrdom. This got me thinking of something that I was once told by a teacher, colleague, or friend ( I cannot remember) about the importance of self care. When flying, in case of emergency you are always instructed to put on your air mask before helping those around you to do the same. Much like in life, if you do not take care of yourself how can you expect to be of any real service to those around you? If you're like me, you strive to keep your loved ones happy, which oftentimes means sacrificing your own wants and needs. However, if you do not take care of yourself (mind, body, and spirit) how can you possibly plan to be your best self? I think the answer to this question is simple; you can't. Sacrificing and compromising for people you love is part of life, but doing so at the cost of your own well-being is risky business, and quite frankly it is something that will only hurt you and your loved ones in the long run. One cannot become a martyr without death, much like you cannot act like one in your personal life without a metaphorical death of some parts of you. The moral of the story is this, put on your emotional/physical/spiritual air mask first and then help your loved ones to put on theirs as well.
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