Is Your Oxygen Mask On?

Today is one of those days when I feel like I tried to help everyone I could, but I still let some people down.  That is one of the hardest feelings for me to deal with, because I really can't stand letting anyone down.  I suppose most caregivers feel that way at one time or another.

In some ways I feel selfish to refer to myself as a "caregiver."  There are so many people in my life that are on 24-7.  Yet, I do have a lot of people that depend on me.  Several of my good friends are deeply involved in caregiving and they are on my mind tonight.

We absolutely don't have enough offered for individuals with physical, intellectual, and mental challenges.  I am pleased with how far we have come, but I also recognize that we have a long way to go.  When it comes to caregivers, I think we have a long way to go as well.

When it comes to caregiving, what always comes to mind for me first is the talk flight attendants give on airplanes, "Put the oxygen mask on yourself first, then assist those around you."  For a long time I didn't understand that, but over the years I have realized the importance of that statement.  You are not going to be of any help to anyone if you collapse, so get your oxygen mask on!

This summer I have done some soul-searching.  Am I doing what I need to do for me to be healthy?  Is my oxygen mask on?  The answer would be, "No!"  So this summer I have been working on a plan to get myself a little healthier physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.  

Physical:  My mind cannot think about diet and exercise.  I have to think about healthy living instead.  I have to play a lot of mind games in order to do that.  I absolutely love the book, French Women Don't Get Fat.  It inspires me!  I am trying to eat what God made for the most part.  There are no lists of ingredients in the things He made, nor are there additives and preservatives.  To be more active, I am working in the garden a great deal.  It is peaceful and spiritual for me and gets me up and going.  I try to finish gardening with a walk and thank God for everything He has made.

Emotional: I try to avoid worrying by doing things I absolutely enjoy such as reading, gardening, taking pictures, scrap booking, talking to my daughters, and playing with my grandkids.

Intellectual:  I love to read, read, read!  I have read 2 1/2 books so far this summer and plan to read    a few more.

Spiritual:  I plan to visit a variety of churches this summer.  I need to remind myself that Christ's love  is bigger than the church I attend.  I have visited a prominent "seeker-friendly" church.  In the next couple of weeks I will visit a cowboy church and a charismatic church. I look forward to the new things I will be exposed to.

If you are a caregiver, and probably most of us are in one way or another, take a minute to put your oxygen mask on....whatever that is for you.  What makes you feel stronger?  What gives you rest?  What excites you?  When do you feel the most fulfilled?  What do you truly want to give the people you serve?  What do you need to do to be more effective?

I hope this gets you thinking because we all need a "time out" once in a while and a time to refuel.  It isn't selfish, it makes us better caregivers.