Put Your Own Oxygen Mask on First

Hi! I’m Meg. I am a consummate giver and people person, a jack of all trades, and a master of none. I have no brushes with fame or massively noteworthy moments to highlight here (yet?). I try to find beauty in the mundane, to connect with other people from all over the world, to make life a daily adventure in little ways, and to be surprised by life’s little pleasures. I am most happy with a warm drink, a good book, and a little peace and quiet. 

It took me a long time to realize that if I don’t take care of myself and “put my own oxygen mask on first” I am of little help to anyone else. I had kids. Then I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. And then my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. That’s when the wheels started to come off. Suddenly I didn’t recognize myself or my life anymore and I never, ever laughed.

I have learned, though it’s not my nature, to stop and take a deep breath and a good look around before attending to the next item on my to do list.

I have learned to slow down (sometimes – still practicing this one).

I have learned to stretch myself, to do things that fill my soul even if they aren’t necessarily practical, and even if I still need to make dinner at the end of the day, which, for the most part, I really, really don’t want to do.

I have learned to carve out moments of sanctuary, and to be hopeful in the face of challenge. Because I walked through a storm and somehow I came out the other side.

This blog started with the idea of simply chronicling my first trip to Guatemala. That trip was a moment in my life when I took a chance and did something totally different but that mattered to me. It required me to break the mold, dig deep, and be courageous. Taking that trip re-awakened my soul and connected me to other people in unexpected and wonderful ways. I had often thought that the words of the pre-flight safety demonstration – “put your own oxygen mask on first” – were incredibly prescient.

Life gets complicated fast. I am a sandwich generationer with young kids and a parent who also needs care. I also have a chronic medical condition that, it turns out, is triggered by stress so that I live in constant pain just when others need me most. The short story – I had so much going on that I wasn’t taking care of myself. And that’s when things got really ugly.  Eventually I learned that I am a better caregiver, and a better, healthier, happier person, when I put my own oxygen mask on first.

This blog is about telling stories of hope and inspiring connection between people, places, and ideas. It’s about authentic, genuine, brave living. It’s about finding hope and courage in places and situations where it might be harder to find and changing the narrative. 

Take a deep breath, make a warm drink, and read on! Thanks for stopping by!