If you’ve been on a plane you’re familiar with the pre-flight spiel. Life vest under your seat, lights will illuminate the aisle directing you to the nearest emergency exit, and oxygen masks may drop from the ceiling.
Without fail, during this one man show put on by the flight attendant, they will instruct you to put on your own mask before assisting others. The reason for this is that, if due to cabin pressure the oxygen is low and you pass out while helping someone else then you’re kind of SOL. The lesson to take away from this is that you can’t be of help to others if you don’t first help yourself.
It took – and is still taking me – a lot of work to even begin to grasp that concept. As contradictory as it sounds, taking care of yourself before you take care of anyone else will allow you to better help others.
Selfish is the word that first came to mind when that concept was introduced to me.
A lot of new interpersonal concepts have been introduced to me as of late and I just do my best to process the new information and when I stumble I remind myself it will be good fodder for my books.
Bye for now!