SET A GOOD EXAMPLE

A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in front
of
him. When class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty jar and
proceeded to filled it rocks about 2" in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it
as.
So the Professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them in to
he
jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the
open
areas between the rocks. The students laughed.

He asked his students again if the jar was full? They agreed that yes,
it
was.

The professor then picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.

Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this is your
ife.

The rocks are the important things - your family, your partner, your
health,
and your children - anything that is so important to you that if it were
lost, you would be nearly destroyed.

The pebbles are the other things in life that matter, but on a smaller
scale. The pebbles represent things like your job, your house, and your
car.

The sand is everything else. The small stuff.






If you put the sand or the pebbles into the jar first, there is no room
for
the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your energy and
time on the small stuff, material things, you will never have room for the
things that are truly most important.

Pay attention to the things that are critical in your life. Play with
our children. Take your partner out dancing.
>
> There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner
> party and fix the disposal." Take care of the rocks first - the things
> that
> really matter.
>
> Set your priorities. The rest is just pebbles and sand.
>
> Recently, I had a very touching experience with my six-year-old daughter
> that reminded me of the importance of this suggestion - to set a good
> example. One of the tiny ways I like to contribute to my community is
to,
> wherever possible and reasonable, pick up trash and put it in the garbage
> can. I've been doing this for years and, every once in a while, I point
> out
> to my kids how important it is for all of us to do our small part to keep
> our streets, parks and neighbourhoods clean.
>
> The other day, Kenna and I were walking out of a coffeehouse and headed
> toward our car. I had noticed a bunch of trash that was on the ground.
> On
> this particular day, however, I didn't pick it up. When I reached my
car,
> I
> looked around and Kenna wasn't with me. Concerned, I turned around and
> there she was, picking up the trash and putting it in the can. What made
> this episode even more priceless was her comment: "Daddy, aren't you
> forgetting something?"
>
> Whether you have children or not, this strategy is an important one to
> keep
> in mind. The truth is, we are setting some kind of example, whether we
> know
> it or not. Our actions are seen by others and are factored into the
> consciousness of those around us. While any single action might not have
> much of an effect on another person, there is a cumulative effect. It's
> up
> to all of us to determine what type of example we want to set-loving,
> positive, and helpful; or lazy, apathetic, and selfish.
>
> The decision to set a good example in as many aspects of life as possible
> helps guide your behaviour and your reactions to stress. I try, for
> example, not to get too upright in traffic and while waiting in long
> lines.
> I do this not only because it's a less stressful way to experience life
> but
> also because I wish to send a message to those around me that life
doesn't
> have to be perfect in order to be happy and peaceful.
>
> Take a look at the examples you are setting for those around you. Are
> they
> the examples you wish to send - or would you rather be sending different
> types? Whatever you answer, this is an important question to ask
> yourself.
> It can help you make behavioural and attitudinal adjustments that will
> make
> your life less stressful and more meaningful to yourself and to those
> around u.