Staying grounded

I've heard it said that if your purpose is only about you, it doesn't have branches. And if it's only about others, it doesn't have roots.

When I reflect on this, I am reminded of the importance of staying centered and grounded. As always, it's not an either/or situation. It's both/and. We need both roots and branches, not just one or the other. We need to tend to ourselves and to others, not just one or the other.

As women, that's sometimes a difficult thing to remember. We can often become the world's caregivers, reaching out to help others and completely ignoring our own needs. That can lead to deep resentments and anger (and to a martyr complex). One of the images I often think of when I see this happening is putting on an oxygen mask in an airplane. Before any flight begins, flight attendants will demonstrate putting oxygen masks on—always reminding us to put our own on first before assisting anyone else with theirs.

The point here really is the both/and piece, however. Be sure to engage in self-love and self-care and then you'll be able to come from that centered and grounded place that will allow you to reach out to others in compassion and love.