Are You Balanced?

This is the time of year when graduates are hearing motivational speeches as they begin the next phase of their lives.

One of my favorites is The Five Balls of Life speech, originally shared in a 1991 Georgia Tech commencement speech by Brian Dyson. It is a very short story about balance, and reads:

"I would caution you that as intelligent and active participants in a dynamic society like America, you must bring balance into your lives.

Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air. You name them — work, family, health, friends and spirit — and you’re keeping all of these in the air.

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back.

But the other four balls — family, health, friends and spirit — are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same.

You must understand that and strive for balance in your life. "

The reason I like this speech so much is because it is relevant to all of us, throughout our lives. There are many points in life when we are compelled to reconsider priorities.

When at one of those crossroads in life, it is always good to take some time to reflect. We want to protect the glass balls from being shattered or damaged!

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This Week's Focus:

This week, look at the five areas in your life: work, family, health, friends and spirit. Do you have balance in your life? Remember, if you drop one of the glass balls, they will be never be the same.

Click on the serenity sticky to print, cut and post on your bathroom mirror to remind you of this week's focus. Good luck!