Remember the last time you were on an airplane? During
the in-flight safety movie, we are instructed that in the
event of the loss of cabin pressure, if we're traveling with a
small child, to put the oxygen on ourselves first and then
help the child. The principle here being that if we do not
have oxygen available to us, at some point we will be unable
to help that child. That is the metaphor we are going to use
for this summer edition of our newsletter. Put the oxygen on
yourself first and you will be able to give of yourself more
joyfully and lovingly!
Taking care of yourself means you are valuing yourself.
Summer is often a time when we are able to focus on rest,
rejuvenation and relaxation. This, then, is a great time of
year to practice the art of taking care of your own needs.
Throughout your life, to be able to truly give, and to give
yourself brilliantly, you have to be able to take care of
yourself in a way that means you can be present and be
brilliant in your presence. When we get sick or get tired,
when we get irritable, we're not giving the best of ourselves.
My observation is that although we are trying to be as joyous
and peaceful as we can be often the opposite happens. The
challenge in life is that there is often a need or obligation
to make every single detail right and perfect and to do all
the things that we feel obligated to do, and then we get lost
in that. How can we make sure that we don't get lost?
Look at the expectations you set for yourself. Ask
yourself, is it reasonable? Is it necessary? And what message
are you trying to send to people?
One of the key things I work on with clients is the concept
of under-promise and over-deliver. When we can learn to
under-promise and over-deliver it gives us great power and
freedom. At this, the beginning of the summer season, clearly
look at your motivation for doing all the things you feel you
must do. Ask yourself; what's doable for you and what brings
you joy?
Some tips for thriving joyfully through this
season and practicing self-care.
1. Be careful what you're
promising to others and yourself.
2. Be gentle with
yourself - remember what you do is ok. The most important
message is the one that says you're doing the things you do
with love.
3. In addition to what will you do for others,
ask what you will do for yourself. How will you take time each
day to slow down and appreciate what you are doing? Take time
to be quiet with yourself.
Put the oxygen on yourself
first.
