There’s always time for a cup of coffee with a friend, our columnist writes.
What’s most important to you? Is it your health? Your job? Or do you take those things for granted and instead focus on keeping up with the latest trends and must-have acquisitions?
Everyone has different priorities in life, and that’s OK. Priorities change, too. For years, I was an ardent movie buff and thrilled at the thought of a dark cinema, hot popcorn and a big screen. Now that I have a child and a consuming job as a columnist, I’m lucky if I make it to a hot movie at all, and usually end up waiting for the DVD to be released. But I’m all right with that — I’ve made that choice.
What’s important to remember, however, is that your close relationships should always be at the top of the list — no matter what else is going on in your life.
The shorter, darker days of November are the perfect time to reflect on those relationships as you begin planning for Christmas and holiday get-togethers. These are important reflections that help give each new year a fresh start.
Think of that popular tale about the mason jar filled to capacity with golf balls. On first glance, the jar appears full. But it’s possible to fill in the empty spaces with pebbles. And although the jar may seem full now, it’s possible still to fill the open spaces with sand.
Now look at that jar as your life. Think of the golf balls as the really important things to you — your family, your health, your children, your friends, your favourite passions — things that if all else weren’t going smoothly, your life would still feel full and intact.
Now think of the pebbles as the other important things in your life — your home, your job, perhaps your car. The sand is everything else — the small stuff.
If you had filled the jar with sand first, then pebbles, you wouldn’t have been able to fit in the golf balls. The same goes for life — if you spend all your time worrying about the small stuff, you won’t have any time or energy for the things that really matter.
Set your own priorities and enjoy your life, making time for the people you care about and the important stuff.
I’ve left my favourite part of this parable for the end — if you take that mason jar, filled with golf balls, pebbles and sand, as full as it is, it’s still possible to fill the last vestiges of space with liquid, like water or coffee.
Why? Because no matter how full your life may be, there’s always room for a cup of coffee with a friend.
