Life’s Priorities

Here is a little something that someone handed to me today at work that I thought many could relate to.

As I was reading though it I thought it was so true and a great philosophy on priorities.

Since we are nearing the holidays, this may remind some of us that there are more important things in life than what we think are important to us right here and now.

Sorry, I don't have a source... as it was handed out on paper and I had to retype it. There were no names to give credit to.

Enjoy!

Life’s Priorities

An interesting view regarding “Priorities in Life” from a philosophy professor: A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks. The Rocks were about 4cm in diameter.

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.

The processor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and proceeded to pour their entire contents into the jar – effectively filling the empty spaces between the sand.

The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “ 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 and 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 the time to get medical checkups… take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the garden.”

“Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented.
The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of beers.”