Last week I had the privilege of being the featured speaker for an audience of executives in the travel industry (and beyond). My thanks extends to Chicke Fitzgerald for the invitation, and for having the foresight to know that life/work balance is a topic that always seems to get a lot of traction.

If you’d like to listen to the presentation, let me know and I can forward it to you. By the way, if you’d like me to facilitate a similar session (or one of these topics) for your corporate or non-profit group, let’s talk!

The Speech that Started it All
A few years ago I had to deliver a speech for a Toastmasters meeting and I was stuck trying to find an engaging topic. I had spent a week in Tucson for the US Chamber Institute program and had no brain power left for creativity. With less than a week to go, mild panic started to set in. On the trip home, the flight attendant speech hit me!

“If cabin pressure changes, the panels above your seat will open revealing oxygen masks. Reach up, pull a mask towards you, place it over your nose and mouth, and secure it with the elastic band that can be used to adjust the mask. The plastic bag will not fully inflate although the oxygen is flowing. Remember to secure your own mask first before helping others.”

Key Observations:

• Cabin pressure changes – Sometimes we face a little turbulence, other times we have to prepare for a full crash landing. Our preparation and attitude will go a long way in helping us achieve balance.
• Help comes from above – We are spiritual beings designed for an intimate relationship with a loving God. Psalm 121:1 is a beautiful passage that helps us keep things in perspective.
• Our action is required – We must be willing to ask/reach for and receive help. The mask doesn’t magically appear over our faces. We have some initiating to do.
• Solutions aren’t “One Size Fits All” – What works for some may not work for all. The key is to find what works for you and then commit to it.
• Solutions are often counter intuitive – It seems crazy to routinely take time for ourselves when we’re faced with an imposing to do list. The truth is, recharged batteries work far better than run down ones.
• Taking care of ourselves helps us care better for others – We can accomplish self care in many ways: intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, financially and physically. To begin, pick just one!

Book List:
During the call I highlighted several resources that shed additional light on the subject. No doubt some will be familiar while others might be completely new to you. They’re all worth the read!

7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Sharpen the saw to make sure we grow intellectually)
Vital Friends (Develop our friendships and see rapid personal and professional growth)
Say Yes to No (Learn to say “no” in order to live a life of “yes”)
The Power of Who (Surround ourselves with “Who” friends)
Sink Reflections (Tackle clutter and decrease emotional drain)

What’s Your Take?
What do you do to take care of yourself? Which ways are easiest/hardest to manage (physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, financial)? Who are the people in your life who influence you to be your best?