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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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December 20, 2011 |
A Publication of QVHD |
The Mayonnaise Jar
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
There are many things that
circulate on the internet. Some are just pure junk but some are touching,
endearing, or thought-provoking. The following vignette was sent to me.
The author is unknown. But the message is strong and clear. May these
thoughts be in your heart as you begin a new year.
A professor
stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When
the class began, wordlessly, he 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 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.”
Last, the professor produced two cups of coffee 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-family,
children, health, friends and favorite passions-things that if everything
else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.”
He continued “The pebbles are the other things that matter, like your
job, house, and car. The sand is everything else-The Small Stuff. If you
put the sand into the jar first, there is no room for the pebbles or the
golf balls. The same goes for life.”
“So,” he said, “Pay attention
to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your
children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to
dinner. 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 coffee represented. The professor smiled. “I’m
glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life
may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a
friend!”
Happy New Year to all our District residents from the
staff at Quinnipiack Valley Health District.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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