Priorities

Next to a box is a pile of stones in all different shapes and sizes, and you will win an amazing prize if you can fit them all in and close the lid.  At first glance, it doesn’t seem like it’s even possible to cram them all in, but the entire pile does fit, just barely.  The task is daunting, but others have found a way to do it, so it is possible.

How will you fit everything in?

Will you just start tossing them into the box randomly, according to whatever stone is closest?  Will you fill the bottom with the little stones and put the big ones in at the end?  Will you just try to shovel them in there all at once as fast as you can?  The lid won’t close for any of these solutions, and to shut it you’ll have to sacrifice some stones.

Sounds frustrating.

Every stone fits into the box, but each one has its own space.  If you start with the big stones and work your way down to the smaller ones, you’ll start finding unexpected spaces they will fit into.  It might take longer than trying to quickly shovel or randomly toss them into the box, but they will fit.  No sacrifice necessary.

So what?

You’re currently staring at your own pile of stones (in no particular order): school, family, friends, romantic relationships, hobbies, baseball, sleep, chill time, weight room, and many more.  They all fit if they’re arranged properly, but if you just try to stuff them all in, you’ll have to leave some out, and you’ll have to decide who or what are you willing to cut out of your life.

Can we find time for everything without dismantling our lives?

You could take stock of your stones, judge their size and importance, and place them into the box in the right order.  If you do it correctly, there’s enough space and time for all of them, and you won’t have to sacrifice anything or anyone.  All it takes is a little planning.

Boring…

Yeah, but boring works.  If you take the time to consider how the pieces of your life fit together, you can create time and space for each of them.  You have more room than you think, and with a little planning you won’t need to leave anything out.

It’s up to you.

Sacrifice or plan?

What’s your priority?