July 24, 2024
Good morning, my beautiful humans!🌞
Today’s quote comes from one of my favorite co-workers, Dana. She casually mentioned part of the quote during a meeting, and it immediately caught my attention so I had her repeat it so I could write it down. She revealed it was part of a bigger quote, and my curiosity was piqued. So, I did a little digging, found the full quote, and even bought the book it’s from! I’ll keep you posted on how the read goes for anyone interested 🤓.
“Work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls - family, health, friends, integrity - are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered.” Gary Keller ✨
This quote hit me right in the feels, and here’s why - We often get so wrapped up in our work that we forget to take care of the other vital aspects of our lives. Work is that trusty rubber ball; it’s designed to be resilient and bounce back when it falls. Miss a deadline? There’s usually a way to make it up. But family, health, friends, and integrity? Those are our glass balls, delicate and irreplaceable.
Confession time: I spent years thinking my job was my entire identity. Plot twist?! It's not. It's really just a small portion of who I am. This year, I’ve been actively working on aligning my life with my core values and passions, not just my job title (easier said than done!). But what I’ve learned is when we derive our sense of worth from multiple sources, we are less vulnerable to the ups and downs of our professional lives.
Imagine juggling five balls. You can drop the rubber one (work) a few times, and it’ll still be good as new. But the glass ones? Drop them, and they might just crack or shatter. And no one wants shattered glass in their life! You think it’s all cleaned up and then you’re walking barefoot in the kitchen, the glass gets stuck in your foot. I know you know what I’m talking about!
Family is our foundation. These are the people who’ve known us the longest and love us despite our quirks. Neglecting them for work? Not worth it. Same goes for our health. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and if you don’t take care of your body and mind, everything else will suffer.
Friends are the family we choose. They support us, laugh with us, and sometimes cry with us. Those relationships need nurturing. As for integrity, it's our moral compass. Once it’s compromised, it's tough to regain trust and respect.
Balancing these five balls isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. So here are a few quick tips to help keep those glass balls intact while letting the rubber ball do its bouncy thing:
Family Time is Sacred: Set aside specific times for family activities. Whether it’s a weekly dinner, game night, or just a movie marathon, make sure you’re fully present. Don’t live near your family? Call or Facetime them, OFTEN!
Health First: Treat your body like a temple, not a tent. Move your body in a way that feels right to you, eat balanced meals, and get enough sleep. These three things can make a world of difference. And don’t forget those mental health days!
Friendship Goals: Schedule regular catch-ups with friends. Even a quick coffee, chat on the phone, or a text saying, “Hi, I’m thinking of you and hope you have a wonderful day!” can keep those bonds strong. Not to mention, make their day! Last but not least, do NOT spend time with people who drain your energy. I can not stress this enough.
Integrity Matters: Always stay true to your values. It’s better to lose a job than lose yourself.
Boundaries are Key: Create, follow, and respect boundaries between work and personal life. Don’t answer work emails after hours, and make sure to take breaks throughout your day. Boundaries help protect those precious glass balls.
Remember, my sweet, beautiful souls, life is all about balancing the precious with the resilient. Hold your glass orbs close — family, health, friends, and integrity — and let your work orb bounce back when needed. You’ve got this!
Trust your journey. Rest your soul. Always leave people better than you found them and have a delightful day and an effervescent weekend ahead! 👽🫶🏻🧿