Put Your Own Oxygen Mask On First
This week has been a whirlwind of activity. Between work, caring for my parents, practicing reiki, being a dog mom, and diving into my new blog and social media venture, I've certainly taken on a lot. But that's okay—I'm learning what works and what doesn't. I'm building up the courage to speak on camera for my TikTok posts and perfecting my camera work to achieve the aesthetic I envision. Even though I know I'm writing all this and no one is reading it yet, that's fine. It's a work in progress, just like we all are.
The other day, I stumbled upon my Rose of Jericho plants in their dormant state. If you're unfamiliar, these plants wither into tiny, shriveled balls when they lack water, appearing dead. But place them in a shallow bowl of water, and within minutes, they rehydrate and bloom into healthy, green, strong plants. It's a beautiful analogy for life. Sometimes, we face serious challenges that make us feel weary and tired, both inside and out. But just like the plant needs water, we need something to pull us out of our slump—proper nutrition, exercise, meditation, time with loved ones, solitude, etc. Changing your life doesn't have to be monumental; it can be a series of small steps that put you back on the right track.
I've wanted to learn reiki for years, but work and family kept me too busy. Over the past couple of years, my personal life has been fraught with long-term stress and emotional turmoil. I kept postponing my reiki plans, waiting for things to calm down. But the storm hasn't subsided, and the chaos persists. One day, I randomly looked up reiki classes, thinking I'd pursue it later. As if by fate, I found a Reiki I class just five minutes from my home, at an affordable price, scheduled a few weeks later. I decided not to wait any longer—I was going to do it. I informed my family that I was dedicating that day to myself, barring any emergencies.
From the moment I signed up for the class, something shifted within me. I felt happier and more like myself. Attending the class surrounded by like-minded individuals, discussing topics I was passionate about years ago, brought me to tears of joy. I felt connected and rediscovered a sense of identity that had been lost amidst the demands of adulthood.
The takeaway is that we need to prioritize self-care, not in a selfish way, but in a nurturing way. Think of the flight attendant's advice to put on your oxygen mask first before assisting others. If you don't take care of yourself, you can't effectively care for your loved ones. You need to nourish yourself, feed yourself, and put on your own oxygen mask first. Only then can you truly be there for those who depend on you.
That's all for now! Until next time, friends.
