Amelia didn’t look like someone who needed help. She smiled softly, greeted everyone politely, and never complained. But when she walked into the room that day, I saw it in her eyes—the kind of exhaustion even the deepest sleep couldn’t touch.
She was physically drained, emotionally numb, and mentally overwhelmed. Every part of her was tired from pouring herself into everyone else’s life while quietly neglecting her own. That’s when I shared with her something simple, yet life-changing: the oxygen mask rule.
The Truth Behind the Oxygen Mask Rule
You’ve heard it before on airplanes. “In case of emergency, put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.” It’s a message most people ignore in everyday life—especially women.
We’re taught to be caregivers, nurturers, helpers. And while these are beautiful qualities, the reality is: you cannot pour from a soul that’s running on fumes.
In The Self-Care Beginners Guide for Women Plus The 28-Day Jumpstart Companion, we explore exactly what Amelia—and so many women—need to hear: taking care of yourself first isn’t selfish. It’s survival.
The Emotional Cost of Giving Everything
Amelia’s days were filled with service. She cooked for her family, helped her neighbors, managed community events, and took care of her pets. But inside, she was battling a quiet storm of depression and anxiety.
She had forgotten someone important—the woman in the mirror.
Like many women, Amelia believed that love meant sacrifice. That being there for others meant putting her own needs on the back burner. But what she couldn’t see was that her constant giving without replenishment was quietly dimming her light.
I gently reminded her, “Sweetie, do you remember what the flight attendant says just before takeoff? Place the mask on yourself first.”
And something in her shifted.
Small Shifts, Big Healing: Amelia’s Comeback
We began small. I didn’t tell her to overhaul her life—I simply encouraged her to do one gentle thing each day that made her feel nourished. Something just for her.
In our book, we emphasize that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. The biggest transformations often begin with the tiniest acts of love:
- Three deep breaths to soothe the nervous system
- A few honest words scribbled into a journal
- A warm, nourishing meal enjoyed without guilt
- Five minutes of calming music before bed
Amelia began implementing these small shifts, one by one. Slowly, she noticed her energy returning. She smiled more often not for others, but because she felt lighter inside. Her friends noticed: “You look different,” they said. “You seem more at peace.”
From Depleted to Radiant: A Journey Back to Herself
Her transformation wasn’t just physical—it was emotional, spiritual. She learned to see herself as someone who deserved kindness. She practiced what we call radical self-compassion—showing up for yourself, even when you’re falling apart.
In The Self-Care Beginners Guide, we include BrightSpot Bubbles—simple affirmations to rewire your self-talk. Amelia’s favorite?
“I deserve to make myself a priority.”
By the end of the 28-Day Jumpstart, she wasn’t just surviving, she was glowing. She had built a routine around joy, peace, and presence. Her relationships healed, not because she gave more, but because she gave from a place of fullness, not fatigue.
A Loving Reminder: Your Mask Matters Too
Too many women wait for a breakdown before giving themselves permission to breathe. They treat rest like a luxury, instead of the lifeline it truly is. But the truth is:
- You can’t help anyone if you’re running on empty.
- You matter, too.
- Your wellbeing isn’t a reward. It’s a right.
Amelia’s story is proof that small steps toward self-care lead to big healing. You don’t have to fix everything today. But you do have to start. Because when you put your oxygen mask on first, you breathe life back into your soul —and everyone around you benefits.