Greetings from the Alps

This week I’m taking what feels like a self-indulgent break.  I’m in France, skiing with a fabulous group of people from all walks of life.  And I’ve left the family at home.

On the one hand, this is just what I need.  Some time and space away, connecting with new people, fresh air, and exercise.  And on the other, I can’t help but feel guilty.

I’ve written before about how we all need to fit our own oxygen masks first.  And it doesn’t make it any easier to do it. 

I was talking with a friend recently, who acknowledged that they only feel valued when they are needed.  Consequently, they never do anything for themselves.  When they are stressed, they spend the day cooking food for the family.  The thought of reading a book, or doing some craft felt too self-indulgent to even comprehend.

When you are caring for a child with needs, it’s like you have to put your own life and needs on hold, and be there for them.  Everything goes by the wayside, your social life, your health, work, hobbies, and exercise.  The list goes on.  You can almost become invisible, your role as a parent overtaking all the other roles you once had.

And yet, by meeting our own psychological needs, we really are better available for our children.  This article highlights all the benefits of doing so.

We can’t all take a week away, and I feel hugely privileged that I’ve been able to do so.  We can all find some time in our lives to do something for ourselves, even if it’s 5 minutes of meditation while you’re in the bathroom.

As we approach the end of January when many new year’s resolutions start to wane, perhaps it’s time to think about a new week's resolution that includes nourishment for you.