When it comes to taking care of others, we can’t do it until we take care of ourselves. Whether we are talking about our country helping others, or we, as a parent, want to provide for our children – until we are stable, we can’t offer much to anyone else.

I am not sure what it is that makes some countries want to help others when they have so many of their own people living in the streets. Sure, there are some who chose that route due to their own issues, such as drug usage or just not wanting any other lifestyle. But there are actually real people who had nowhere else to turn.

Why are there so many people who can’t afford to see a doctor, and when they do, can’t afford to take the proper sick time to care for themselves? Why is it so hard to get on disability? Instead, they are forced to go to work and suffer until they eventually work themselves to death. What’s more, they are forced to pay taxes which pay for healthy people to sit back and enjoy a good life!

As an individual, you are probably always taking care of others and not taking proper care of yourself.  But, how does that work out? You can’t help others unless you are ok yourself! And yet, we are made to feel guilty when we focus on ourselves. We are seen as vain and self-centered. Countries, too, should take care of themselves before they take care of others.

Just like when you’re on an airplane and you get those safety instructions before your flight takes off – they tell you that in the case of an emergency,  you need to put on your own mask first, and then help a child. Whether it is instinct or just thinking you are doing the right thing, you would probably want to put the kid’s mask on first. However, once the kid’s mask is on and you lose oxygen, would they be able to help you? So, it is actually more logical that you take care of yourself first.

Focus on you! Take care of yourself so that you can take better care of your children. Be a role model. If you want the best for them, have an education and a good job so that you can best take care and provide for them.  Surround yourself with good people who help boost your morale. Focus on your health and taking good care of yourself if that means you will live longer and be a better person. While many of us can’t afford health care, we can still make better choices when it comes to eating and exercising.

When we are all the best we can be, only then can we, individually, or as a group, help others.