Put Your Oxygen Mask First

Every time I fly, I hear it:
“Put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others.”

That rule that keeps you alive in the sky? It can also keep you standing on the ground.

We push through, trying to be there for everyone, fix what’s broken, carry what’s heavy, while running on fumes.

Your oxygen mask is survival.

It’s saying:
Let me breathe.
Let me slow down.
Let me get right so I can show up, present, grounded, real.

Some days that mask is a walk.
Other days, it’s quiet.
Sometimes it’s a no.
Sometimes it’s a yes, just for you.

If you’re drowning, you can’t pull anyone else to shore.

Know when to stop.
Breathe.
Say: I need a minute. I need to put my mask on first.

If you’ve been running on empty, here’s your reminder:
Pause. Check in. Breathe.

The world can wait five minutes.
You need air.