A long time ago, I received this in an email (it's not of my own creation) and it's something that has really stuck with me. It's part humor and part life lesson and what's funnier than life.
Beer
Philosophy 101
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 about 2" 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
professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and proceeded to
pour their entire contents into the jar - effectively filling the empty space
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, 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 time to get medical checkups. 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. 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."
It's similar to the "Don't Sweet the Small Stuff" mentality, but with it's own humorous twists and additions. For me, my wife and kids are my rocks and I can't imagine life without them. Do you live by any life philosophies? If so, which ones?
PS: Also, I know everyone doesn't like beer but you can use whatever beverage of choice you choose (either alcoholic or non).
