When traveling by air you are told to put on your own oxygen mask on before assisting children in putting on theirs.
This instruction, which most of us have heard countless times, is telling us to behave in a selfish manner. Take care of yourself so that you are able to take care of others.
In my coaching practice I have found that many of the most positive life changes my clients make follow their gaining new perspective on what it means to be selfish, and then translating that new perspective into action.
This is not the dictionary version of selfish, "concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself: seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well being without regard for others". According to this definition selfish behavior is rude and inconsiderate.
The selfish behavior I'm referring to is anything but rude and inconsiderate. I'm talking about acting in ways that you get what you need and taking such good care of yourself that you have a solid base from which you can be more generous and supportive of others.
Who do you want to hang out with? Who do you want to be? Is it the person that is tense, exhausted and grouchy because they have spent the day taking care of everything and everyone but themselves? Or would you like to spend time with a
relaxed, good humored, well rested, and satisfied individual? I'm going to be worried about you if this is a difficult choice!
Remember, you can't help anyone get his or her oxygen mask on if you've stopped breathing.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment