A Dose of Inspiration

Overwhelmed is a word that has been rolling off of my tongue a lot lately. That, and a fair share of profanities. I’m a Type A perfectionist so I tend to get overwhelmed when there is a lot on my plate. I always want to over achieve. I always want to make sure things are done perfectly, but there are just not enough hours after the work day is over to accomplish everything I’d like to get done.

You know Hallie, right? She writes the blog Corals + Cognacs and also happens to be my blogging bestie. Heck, one of my “real life” besties, too.

Hallie sent me this the other night and I feel that it is too good not to share. If you’re anything like me and feel that the weekend is your only time to “get things done,” hopefully you’ll find some time for happiness this weekend, too!

When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24
hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2
cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in
front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very
large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf ball
s. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the
jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas
between the golf balls. He then 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, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if
the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous “yes.”

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table
and poured the 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 golf balls are the
important things–your family, your children, your health, your
friends and your favorite passions–and 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 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 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
spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to
clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls
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 coffee
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 cups of coffee with a friend.”

Happy Weekend! xo

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17 Comments

  1. 9.29.12

    I have heard this before – but it is always a good reminder! I definitely needed to read this today…thanks for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. 9.29.12
    Kelly said:

    This is wonderful. I had 3 papers due this week and I’ve been running around campus like a crazy woman. This definitely helps me put everything back into perspective! Great timing ๐Ÿ˜€

  3. 9.29.12
    Deauna said:

    Loved this post. Thanks for creating it.

  4. 9.29.12
    Stacey said:

    I love this, it just made me smile! Such a great post for a Saturday!

    xoxo
    Stacey

    http://fiveminutestyle.blogspot.co.uk/

  5. 9.29.12
    Amy said:

    Thanks for sharing this. Sometimes I tend to feel the same way and it is important to focus on the things that are important in your life! It’s just remembering which ones are the important ones.

  6. 9.29.12
    Tracy said:

    I always love this story. It’s easily forgotten though, especially in this whirlwind of a city! Thank you for posting it.

    I can’t wait to catch up with you tomorrow!

    Tracy
    TheRightShoes

  7. 9.29.12
    Agi said:

    This is totally true. Last Sunday I got diagnosed with Pericarditis. Not something that anyone wants but thankfully in my case its resolving on its own. I know this was life’s way of telling me to slow downs. I too have a type A personality and this week I had to learn to let go. I had to learn to let go of how my house looks and about the little things. My blog this week was about this very thing. My friends have truly stepped up to plate and dropped off enough food for 3weeks. Thank God. We all need to stop sweating the small stuff and enjoy our lives. I’m hoping once I finally recover I can do that. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com

    vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com

  8. 9.29.12
    Sarah said:

    Great story! Thanks for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. 9.29.12
    Ellen said:

    I needed to read this, thank you!!

  10. 9.29.12
    Brieanna said:

    A great pick me up for when you are drowning in so much stuff to do. ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. 9.29.12

    LOOOOOVE this. I am pinning it now.

  12. 9.30.12
    Michelle said:

    Great post! Brings everything back into perspective ๐Ÿ™‚

    -Michelle

    http://fierceandfashionable.wordpress.com

  13. 10.1.12
    hallie said:

    LYLAS! Miss you!!!!!

  14. 10.1.12

    Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this. I really, really needed to hear it.

  15. 10.1.12
    Sara said:

    Amazing inspiration! Thank youuu!

  16. 10.1.12

    i really love this color blocked top! love how u paired it with the leopard loafers! love your blog new follower ๐Ÿ™‚

    XO Meghan
    citrusrefreshingfashion.blogspot.com

  17. 10.1.12

    Love this post! So true! Great things to remember!