Taking good care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. It is one of the most courageous things each of us can do for ourselves.
Have you ever been on a plane and listened when the cabin attendants are going through the safety instructions? Part of the routine is about depressurization and the oxygen masks dropping down. They don’t say take care of everyone else and then take care of yourself. They tell you that no matter who is dependent on you, put on your own mask first. Take care of yourself first. If you don’t, you won’t be able to take care of those who need you. Then if you have more than one person with you who is dependent on you, decide which one you like best. (I’m kidding!)
I recently read an article referring to a mental health report, which stated, “Canadians caring for chronically ill older relatives are stressed out at a time when an aging population means more people will require such care.” We can’t afford this.
I grew up at a time when there were many “E Type” personalities in the population. E Type: trying to be Everything to Everyone. That was simply the way it was done. If you didn’t put everyone else first, you were perceived as selfish; uncaring of others, thinking only of yourself.
People with an E Type personality are guaranteed to burn out from stress long before they have an opportunity to be the amazing people they were meant to be. We need to stay strong for ourselves first. Then for others around us.
Do you know why the retirement age was originally pegged at 65? Because in 1880, when it was introduced by Otto von Bismarck, most people didn’t live that long. Today, more and more of us are living to over 100. I plan on being around to 115, and I’m sure by the time I get close to that age, there will be lots of folks around me about the same age.
So back to my original statement: Taking good care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. The key phrase is taking care of yourself – eat right, exercise to the best of your ability and love yourself.
Please come by and give me a hug on March 10th at the 55+ Lifestyle Show presented by INSPIRED Magazine at Pearkes Recreation Centre, Victoria.
Hugs are one of the best things that we can do for ourselves – and each other.
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Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. Connect with her at mpatnichol@gmail.com.