The Empty Pickle Jar

The Empty Pickle Jar

A lesson on life

A professor stood before his philosophy class holding a large and empty pickle jar.  When the class began he proceeded to fill the jar with golf balls.  He then  asked the students if the jar was full, they agreed it was. So the professor picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.  The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.  He asked the students again if the jar was full, they agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, of sand filled up everything else.  He asked once more if the jar was full.  They responded with a unanimous "yes".  The professor then produced a bottle of chocolate milk from under the table.  He poured it into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.  The students laughed.

"Now" said the professor, " I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.  The golf balls are the important things Your Family, Your Children , Your Health, and Friends.  The pebbles are the other things that matter, like Your Job, Your Home, Your Car.  The sand is everything else, the small stuff.

If you put the sand first, there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.The same goes for life.  If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that make you happy.  Play with your children, get regular checkups, enjoy dinner with family and friends.  There will always be time to clean the house.  Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter.  Set your priorities, the rest is just sand."

One student asked "what about the chocolate milk?"

The professor responded "no matter how full your life may seem, there is always room for chocolate."

Remember EVERY DAY IS A GIFT AND YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE IS YOUR GIFT TO YOURSELF!

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