When all you have is a hammer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a classic model I've been taught to apply in my life. It has validity, and it is a way to think about needs.

"I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail." - Abraham Maslow, 1966

It has been hammered home to me that there is a strict hierarchy. That I have to take care of the lower levels first, before I can reach the higher levels. This feels poor to me.

Most days then I won't get close to that top of that pyramid.

I am looking for more tools. Different ways to look at my needs, and how to have them met.

Tools that are gentler, on me.