Lesson of the Five Balls
“Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls.
The balls are called work, family, health, friends and integrity.
And you’re keeping all of them in the air.
But one day, you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball.
If you drop it, it will bounce back.
The other four balls – family, health, friends, and integrity – are made of glass.
If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered.
And once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls,
you will have the beginnings of balance in your life.”
—James Patterson, Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas
The balls are called work, family, health, friends and integrity.
And you’re keeping all of them in the air.
But one day, you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball.
If you drop it, it will bounce back.
The other four balls – family, health, friends, and integrity – are made of glass.
If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered.
And once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls,
you will have the beginnings of balance in your life.”
—James Patterson, Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas
I just finished reading this book, a very lovely one. It spoke of life and how we must learn to appreciate it and value every day of our lives. It speaks of listening, of understanding, healing, forgiveness, and taking time to allow ourselves to enjoy the people we love. And to always tell them how much you love them, no matter what the odds are.
Comments
this is so true.
thanks for sharing, sheng.
but i've always regarded work as being below family, health, and friends! :)