Put Your Oxygen Mask on Before Helping Others: A Conversation with my Sister-friend Kamesa O'Neal

She Strives With Faith - Candid Conversations with Lady B. Celeste

Statistics show that women spend on average two hours a day feeling worried or stressed. 47% of women feel overwhelmed. It's easy for women to take on the responsibility of caring for those in need because it's how God made us. It's part of our DNA.
Women are natural born nurturers. We care for our children, our spouse, our parents, co-workers; church members, grandchildren all while working a full time job, managing our own business, or running our own ministry. It's no secret that women are doer's. Women are visionaries who get things done. Women are compassionate problem solvers. Yet, we forget to put our oxygen mask on before rushing to another person's aid. Metaphorically, the oxygen we breathe is God. He is the oxygen. Spiritual oxygen is essential for a woman's spiritual well-being. Spiritual oxygen is inhaling the joy, peace, trust, and calmness of Abba Father. This life-sustaining oxygen is ever flowing and allows us to continue helping others without becoming emotionally drained.
In this episode, I am joined by a friend and sister of 14 years. Together we share (1) why it's important to put your oxygen mask on first before lending a helping hand to someone else, (2) how to say "No" without feeling guilty, and (3) carving out time to refocus, destress and rejuvenate so you can continue to help others.
Philippians 4: 6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."