Remember the last time you took an airplane flight? After you get settled in, as the doors close and the plane starts to taxi away the flight attendants start doing their safety dance, which (although ignored by most travelers) contains some pretty important information. "Here's the emergency exit, your seat cushion can be used as a life raft, and in case of emergency please put on your own mask before assisting others."
Not too many people listen to this speech, but maybe we really should. It's that last phrase that I've thought a lot about lately. "Put on your own mask before assisting others." What does that mean for parents? I don't think it means that you take care of all your own needs before you pay attention to your child. I do think it means that, before you can be a good, solid, loving parent you have to take care of your most basic needs. In an airplane that means you have to have oxygen flowing to your brain before you can help anyone else (since if you don't you'll be passed out on the floor!) In my parenting journey, it means I need to go running.
Today Aaron and I went for our third run in two weeks. I also got a longer run in this weekend while Jonathan took care of Aaron (because no matter how much fun it is to take him in the stroller, it is also nice to have some "me time" without a baby to worry about). Before Aaron was born I was a pretty regular runner. 3-4 times per week, several miles at a time. I've run one full marathon, four half marathons, and a bunch of other shorter distance races. But during my pregnancy I kind of fell off the wagon, and then after Aaron was born there never seemed to be enough time. But lately I've been watching other runners on the sidewalks, and feeling very sad and a bit jealous when I saw them pounding the pavement. I said something to my mom about it and she gave me good advice..."Sarah, there will never be enough time," she said. "If is important to you, you have to just do it."
She's right. There is never enough time for all that needs to be done. My bathrooms need scrubbing, the bookshelves are dusty, and I still haven't finished the thank-you notes from Aaron's baptism. But today I ran for 20 minutes (2 minute run, 1 minute walk, repeat 7 times) and even though I didn't get much sleep last night I feel like I am ready to take on the world. Running keeps me grounded. When I run I feel better physically, emotionally, and I have a more positive outlook on life in general. Running reminds me to take care of and respect my body. I eat better when I am running regularly, and I sleep better and deeper.
Now that I am on my way back to a regular running schedule, I have remembered that running really is my oxygen mask. I don't need to feel guilty about taking those 30 minutes to do this for myself, because in taking care of my basic needs I'll be better able to interact with, teach, raise, and love my child and those around me. In taking care of myself, I can better take care of others.
What is your "oxygen mask?"
