Pebbles in a Jar

I will tell you a story that I always try to remember when I am stressed and feel like I am drowning from some aspects. You may have heard it before, but this is my version.

A professor is teaching a class in philosophy. In the beginning of his first lecture, he is holding up a large jar of glass - empty - in front of the class. He asks the class: "What is this?" First there is a shy silence, but then one of the Berkley students raises his hand and says: "An empty jar, Sir?"

"Correct. An empty jar." answers the professor. He picks up a small black plastic bag, and empties its content into the jar. The jar is suddenly full of big pebbles. "And now? Would you say the jar is full?" The attendees of the class starts nodding their heads and signaling agreement. "Then picture each big pebble to be an important activity of your life. One being family time. One perhaps being a job. Another perhaps, or maybe not, being studying?" The class laughs at the professor's contradictory remark on studying.

The class is silent as the professor empties another small black plastic bag of content into the jar. In the small voids between the big pebbles, small pebbles are now pouring into the jar. The professor states: "And picture now, the small pebbles being important, but somewhat less important things. A dentist visit? Visiting grandma? Taking a driving license?" He pauses, then continues: "Do you agree that although you have high-priority things, you still find time for the important side-projects that you need to do?" Again a pause, and then he asks: "Would you now say that the jar is full?" A louder noise of agreement occurrs.

The noise dies out as the professor picks up a third little bag and pours it into the jar. Sand. And now the jar has no visible empty space for sure. The professor says: "And there is still, somehow always time to do the other things, like watch a movie, go out with the trash, cleaning the house, reading emails, etc.".

"Point is, anyone?" The class room is silent, and tension is high. Nobody speaks up. It is a relief when the professor finally continues: "If you focus on taking time for the most important parts of your life - your friends, family, work, exercise... - you will still have time for other important stuff, and additional stuff. Just keep your focus on the important parts."

The class explodes into conversations and discussion. In the end the noise dies out. The professor is about to put the jar away and starts his class about perspectives on what is important in life to achieve happiness, when a young student stands up and walks forward to the professor.

When he reaches the professor with the jar in his hand, he turns to the audience, who are now curiously observing him. He speaks loud and clear when he says: "And when there is just no time for anything else, there is always time for beer" and then he pours the remains of a beer bottle into the jar. And the class breaks out laughing and applauding. And the professor can't help but smiling.

End of story.

Point is, and this is me speaking, never worry about the little things. The messy house. The children not having a haircut on time. The missing out on a dentist appointment. Worry - if ever - about keeping the focus on the really important parts of your life. That is who you are and your happiness. You will always have time for other things. Eventually.