“In case there is a loss in cabin pressure, yellow oxygen masks will deploy from the ceiling compartment located above you. Please secure your own mask before assisting others around you”. 

Each time I travel, I hear this directive or some variation of this and I’ve always wondered what kind of parent would put their mask on first before their kids? My Mom would be scrambling to secure her 6 kids first. She would be the first one passed out. Kaboom! 

But as I have gotten older and particularly since I have owned my own business, I have realized the importance of taking care of yourself first. Because you can’t care for others if you are a train wreck. 

So, this has led me to take specific steps to ensure my well-being, so that I am still able to take care of others. 

• Exercise is key. I usually do this with a trainer or by taking a class. That said, how you are getting it done isn’t as important as actually doing it – however you choose to get active. 
• Eat well. I look to how my grandparents enjoyed food, and they lived long healthy lives. They ate pasta with just about everything, used lots of olive oil and they ate meat and a ton of fresh fruits and vegetables. They drank in moderation  and enjoyed bread with most meals. There was no magic involved, just really fresh home cooked meals 
• Treat yourself. We all know we have to save for retirement, but what about living in the present? I don’t want to have to work when I’m 80, but I also don’t want to miss out on life when I am young enough to enjoy it. Take the trip, buy the shoes, have a spa day. Each day could be our last, so fill your cup up and savor it.