I’d like to share a story with you today called Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand. I like this story a lot. It has a powerful message about time management and priorities.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
For me, my big rocks: Being present with my children; yoga & meditation; enjoying time in nature, in my garden, and in the kitchen (my meditation room); our health.
Is living a healthy life one of your big rocks too? Consider removing some of the sand and making your health a priority. You’ll find once you do that, your mood will lift, energy will increase, and you’ll feel empowered to fit back in as much of the sand (facebook, twitter, window shopping) as you want.
Be well!
