The empty pickle jar

A professor stood before his philosophy class holding  a large and empty pickle jar.When the class began he proceeded to fill the jar with golf balls.He then asked the students if the jar was full.They agreed it was.So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles then poured them into the jar.The pebbles then rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.He asked the students again if the jar was full.They agreed it was.The professor next picked 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.They responded with an unanimous yes!The professor then produced a bottle of chocolate milk from under the table.He poured it the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The student laughed."Now",said the professor,"I would want you to recognize that this jar represents your life".
The golf balls are the important things....your family,your children,your friends,your health.The pebbles are the other things that matter...like your job,your home,your car.The sand is everything else,the small stuff.If you put the sand in the jar first,there is no room for the golf balls or the pebbles.The same goes for life.If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,you will never have room for things that make you happy.Play with your children,get regular check ups,enjoy dinner with your family and friends.There will always be time to clean the house.Take care of the golf balls first,things that really matter.Set your priorities.The rest is just sand.One student asked "what about the chocolate milk?"The professor responded "No matter how your life may seem,there's always room for chocolate.Remember everyday is a gift.And the quality of your life is your gift to yourself.