Two Beers and a philosophy for life.

[Geof]

I just received this from a friend and thought it could inspire a few more people.

Mayonnaise Jar & Two Beers...

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

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 balls.

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 a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two Beers 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.

Spend time with your children.

Spend time with your parents..

Visit with grandparents.

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 Beer represented.

The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.'

The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

Share this with a friend.. I JUST DID!

[ImanCarrot]

Brought a smile to my face on a very stressful day. Thanks Geof. Very good and so true

[kling8]

very good geof, so true thanks brought a smile to my face as well

[DIYaholic]

and it is all small stuff!

Geof,
Very inspirational.
However, I saw it unfolding a little differently. I would have played a round of golf (extra balls are always necessary). After the golf, I would enjoy the beers at the beach (the sand) while skimming stones (obvious) out into the water. Of course, friends are always involved in golf and beach. That is how I releive/escape the stresses of my life.

Randy,

[Drassk]

Was I the only one who was thinking about the epoxy granite thread the whole time he was adding smaller and smaller aggregates before the resin went in? Efficient packing algorithm!

That said, I think it was a pretty important composite recipe in the end, though I think it would have been a better punchline if the professor had shrugged and said "...Beer"

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Geof, I've already had an "interesting life" from the Chinese proverb, may you have an interesting life. Plenty of balls, pebbles and sand.

I'm now working on the beers. Plenty of acquaintances. Just enough GOOD friends so I can still buy a round when it's my turn.

However, this evening it's Pinot Noir and Brie. Somebody mentioned it at the "Old Farts Liars Club" at the cafe this morning. Power of suggestion. LOL

Dick Z

[Geof]

I have had plenty of it all, especially the beer (and wine and cheese). At the moment though I am self-enforcing a level of abstinence so I can fit comfortably into my clothes again before embarking on another trip.

[clacha]

CHEERS!!!