Prioritizing Yourself Isn't Selfish

We cannot serve, lead, help and love others to our maximum ability if we do not first show up for ourselves and prioritize our own self-care.

March 17, 2021

If you’ve ever flown commercially, you’ve likely heard some variation of this announcement before takeoff:

"Oxygen and the air pressure are always being monitored. In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask toward you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head and breathe normally. Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person. Keep your mask on until a crew member advises you to remove it."

Every time we hear this, the flight attendant is bestowing us with a timeless lesson and a gentle reminder of prioritizing ourselves. Securing our mask first before assisting someone else is not selfish — it's vital.

But this message isn’t just relevant to air travel. It pertains to life as well. We cannot serve, lead, help and love others to our maximum ability if we do not first show up for ourselves and prioritize our own self-care.

Many organizations and researchers have tried to define self-care. While there is no concrete definition, self-care ultimately comes down to the active and intentional process of nurturing ourselves while mindfully focusing on our thoughts, environment, habits, stressors, and triggers. Taking time to invest in ourselves enables us to positively influence our well-being while improving our social, mental and physical health.

As leaders, teachers, parents, coaches, positive difference-makers and agents of change, we pour into others every day. But we need to make sure we’re also committing that same level of time, energy, support and nurturing care into ourselves.

Self-care will look different to each of us but always encompasses re-immersing ourselves back into the present moment. Self-care is not selfish or self-indulgent. Rather, it’s a transformative act of self-preservation that’s ultimately necessary to bring our whole and true selves to the forefront of the table and the spaces we navigate. Without it, we can't fully tap into our unique superpowers of authenticity and vulnerability. Self-care graces us with the opportunity to nurture our spirit and our narrative. While it can be easier to look outside of ourselves for answers and validations, self-care always starts within.

Each day, we are given the gift of life to lead without fear and to take flight on our dreams. Today, let's focus on the present, not yesterday or tomorrow. As we cultivate these moments, let’s make sure we find time to disconnect from the outside busyness, the mental chatter and the connectivity of our devices. Let's use that time to lean into our self-discovery and self-care by reconnecting with ourselves.

Wisdom surrounds our daily life the same way the pre-flight announcement does. Today we have a chance to look up, smile, breathe deeply and continue on slowly.