I'm somewhat "wired" as a giver.  I used to do it almost reflexively.  I have experienced resentment around this in the past and it was clear I was in a state of "giving with expectation".

A gift for me by definition doesn't expect ANYTHING in return and when I catch myself in resentment, I realized my own action came more from a place are trying to gain some result.

It's been years of practice for me, and I clearly screw up all the time, but it's been cool to become aware and experience the full joy of giving "real gifts" and separating out "gifts with expectations".

So for me it hasn't been so much of oxygen mask (making sure I am giving away precious energy/focus), but more about being conscious of the choice and motivation when giving.

So for you, do you notice when you put other needs/choices first?  And when you do notice, if you choose it, ask yourself why?

-tony

On Mar 22, 2015, at 3:56 PM, Brock Coleman <ibrock59@mac.com> wrote:

> Performance Journaling has been interesting for me.
> One of the insights I have attained, is that while I value humility and I often put others needs/choices before my own,
> I noticed in myself, a pattern of frustration or near resentment in many situations both at home and at work.
> I tend to “make up stories” that I am being taken for granted.
> That makes me wonder if I should put on my own oxygen mask more often, and that if I did, might the stories I make up go away.
> Does anyone else have an insight to share?
> Thank you,
>
> Brock