Sometimes life is like an adventure. While it’s easier to stay at home and stick with the familiar, there are times when we are really better off setting out into uncharted territory.
I just started such an adventure. Today I arrived at Guide Dogs of America for a 28 day residential training program. I’m feeling first hand that “adventure” isn’t comfortable. (BTW, I haven’t received a dog yet, and the picture isn’t my dog. I don’t know if I’d want a blind guide dog anyway.)
First, I’m already missing my family. That’s a terrible long time to be apart from them.
Second, I don’t know squat about dogs and even less about how to use and care for a guide dog. I don’t like feeling like a newbie; being a know-it-all feels way more comfortable to me.
Finally, part of me feels guilty for taking this time for myself. I have a lot of other important things to be doing, but I am doing this instead.
Fortunately, I was reminded of an important life lesson as I sat through the safety presentation on the plane this morning. If the cabin of life suddenly loses it’s pressure, I am to secure my own mask before helping anyone else secure their mask.
So while it’s uncomfortable to take this time to build skills that are for my benefit, it’s very important to do it anyway. I wouldn’t want anyone else to have to take care of me, so I guess I’ll have to take care of me myself.
How about you? Is there anything you’ve been putting off to take care of yourself? Reading a book or taking a class? Improving your health or planning for your future? Skills you’ve been wanting to learn?
If so, don’t be too afraid of adventure, and be wise in taking care of yourself. Some of it may be an obvious investment in benefiting other people. Other times, it may just be taking good care of you because that’s important, too.
