I tend to not think of myself as selfish.  I am sure, when the boys ask for something and are told I am busy or some other response, they think so.  I am not.  I just finished reading an article by Rebecca Pratt about putting yourself first.

Pratt hits the nail on the head as she explains the day for most parents, though women do seem to still shoulder the bulk of household responsibilities.  If you are like me, you get up and it starts.  You help kids get ready for school, maybe make lunches, clean up from breakfast, go to work, come home and do some housework, fix dinner, help with homework, do laundry, do dishes, drop into bed exhausted knowing this is coming again tomorrow.  The only problem is tomorrow is not far away.

Guess what?  Pratt makes a great point.  Have you ever truly listened to the “talk” by flight attendants prior to take off?  They tell you to put your oxygen mask on first prior to helping any children you may be traveling with.  Do you know why?  Because you have to be fully aware of what is going on to be able to help those around you.

This analogy applies to life in general.  If you do not restore your own mind and body, you are not functioning fully and may not be able to help those you love.

If you have been following my blog at all, you will know that I started a journey in September of 2007.  This journey was to incorporate daily exercise into my life and eat more healthy.  This is a journey, as was getting out of shape and letting myself go.

To keep myself in shape – and I am talking mental, spiritual and physical – I have to put myself before my children some times.  I run between 2.5 and 5 miles most days.  One day of the week I do a longer trek – somewhere between 7.5 and 10 miles (this is not a straight run but a combination of running and power walking).  I attend Mass regularly as I need to be spiritually aware also.  I do read my Bible and pray constantly.  I also read all the time – newspapers, magazines, books on all topics.

What do you do to put yourself first?