Do you ever feel like you are performing a juggling act when trying to keep up with all of your responsibilities? I think this is a common problem for all moms, whether we are working or not!
I decided that instead of worrying about how everything will be accomplished, it’s best to jump in with both feet, keep a positive attitude, and finish what I can.
When I was in business school, one of our professors picked up a large jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks about two inches in diameter. He then asked us if the jar was full and we all agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly and watched as the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. The professor then asked if the jar was full. We chuckled and agreed that it was indeed full this time.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled the remaining open areas of the jar. “Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar signifies your life. The rocks are the truly important things, such as family, health and relationships. If all else was lost and only the rocks remained, your life would still be meaningful. The pebbles are the other things that matter in your life, such as work or school. The sand signifies the remaining “small stuff” and material possessions.
If you put sand into the jar first, there is no room for the rocks or the pebbles. The same can be applied to your lives. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are truly important. Pay attention to the things in life that are critical to your happiness and well-being. Take care of the “rocks” first – things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just pebbles and sand.
This is so true! That is why yesterday I soooo appreciated my “little conversations” with my 4 month old daughter. Nose to nose, inches apart, smiling the whole time. My girls are my “rocks”.