WHO GETS IT FIRST

PRACTICE: Write a description of what you do to take care of you.

I have traveled by airplane many times. When I first started flying, I paid close attention to what the flight attendant said about the seat belts, emergency landing and the flow of oxygen in case of a loss of cabin pressure. Over the years, as my anxiety level around flying has diminished, I am often asleep before these words are spoken, “if you are flying with someone who needs assistance(children), put your mask on before assisting others.”

It dawned on me one day that these instructions are appropriate for many of our daily experiences. I cannot give to you what I don’t have. In the case of an emergency on a plane, I run the risk of being oxygen deprived if I help another person first, putting us both at greater risk - get what I need first and then help the other. It sounds selfish but if this scenario should ever happen, I am following the rule because it is valid in flying and valid in living.

Think about it, in order to love another authentically, I must first love me! I can tell you I love you, but in my humble opinion, I can’t live love authentically with you until I give love to myself. Love of self takes daily practice and loving others takes daily practice.

The practice of loving self is much, much more than bubble baths, massages, manicures etc. Self- love is taking care of your NEEDs (not wants) responsibly. Intuitively that sounds a bit selfish, but the bottom line is this – you cannot abandon the care of you to others or even to the haphazardness of “when you have time” … after all who knows you better than you? Just as you can’t give that which you do not possess, you will most likely find it difficult to receive that which you don’t have when it is extended. I believe people who don’t love themselves often find it hard to believe someone else could love them.

There are a multitude of ways to practice self-love. I am offering three to consider. DO NOT label yourself with others' opinion of you. Take responsibility for creating your experiences and own the inner and outer beauty that is uniquely you. When I love me, I can assist and help you to love you. You can do the same for someone else. The circle of love grows exponentially. Get before trying to give.

Mark 6:31-32

PONDER THIS THOUGHT -My needs are secondary to the needs of others. Why?