I would like you to take a pen and a piece of paper and in 15 seconds write down three things that you love………..GO!
Ok, time’s up. What did you write down?
Most people when they do this exercise right down things like:
My wife, my husband, my family, my dog, my job etc, etc, etc.
Did you also write down yourself as something you love?
Most of us forget that we can love ourselves and that we are as important to ourselves as we are to others.
In fact, I would argue that is more important for us to love ourselves and put ourselves first (at least more of the time than maybe we already do).
You see – if we are not taking care of ourselves, how can we be of service and help others.
Have you ever been on an plane journey? What is it that the Cabin Crew say to you as they are going through the safety demonstration?
“In the case of a loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will fall from the panel above your head. Please place the mask over your mouth and nose – before helping others”
Re-read that last phrase – “Before helping others”
We need to make sure we have our own oxygen mask on and look after ourselves first, to be in the best position to look after others.
So, what can you do that will be of service to you? It might be taking a nice long walk on your own, having a bubble bath in the evening (with no-one to disturb you!), going on a course that you always wanted to go on, or a holiday you have always dreamed of.
Balance is within each of us. There is no such thing as Work-Life balance – it is all just life!