sensingwithspirit.com Annielise Stone

The people who are not what they first seem to be.

In all walks of life the human race hides behind a veil of pretence. We all met them and even at times we perhaps ourselves have used this shield to prevent others getting to close. For some it’s to hide a hurt a fear or even because they find it hard to commit.

I myself at times feel that I am a people pleaser I don’t like to say No neither do I like to intentionally upset anyone. Paulo Coelho the other day mentioned on a site that people who say maybe really want to say No but are afraid to commit. I was not sure what I was afraid to commit to but often I don’t or can’t really be bothered to do something and I end up doing it any way. Perhaps it’s the case I should ask will this affect or have an impact if I do or don’t.

This point struck home with me that am probably why I have great respect and admiration not only for him as an author but as a man and mentor too.

I was going though some of my own thoughts in my head I do this occasionally when a link strikes home and I came to the conclusion that some people will tell you anything to get A. A reaction and B. If they feel by humouring you or pretending to be interested in what your doing for self gain. If you’re naive you will think it’s because you are making them think. Now the question here is you may find out that really it was all talk.

Or even that a remark you made and you thought was true they had in fact lied or just left the information hoping you would not ask out right.

So my suggestion are don’t believe what you hear it can an often is watered down or even changed like Chinese whispers. Real friends you know deep down would not let you down.

Read the small print lots of us get caught out by the gift of the gab. The free gift which is not really free Along with the promise of better things to come if you invest now…

If someone you just met asks to borrow money remember your old grannies say never a lender or borrower be.

Trust you gut it never really lets you down.

Don’t rush to do something you’re not sure about unhappy about the result or you would be worried if it turned out bad.

Now to end this on a positive note you have to kiss a few frogs before you find a real prince. That real friends are measure by not what can do for them but what they do for you with out asking. And you can’t make a silk purse out of a sours ear.

Also as another thought dont seem to be to keen to be a part of something or someone only to end up doing all the talking walking working and then resent that you were only a stop gap until they got bored tired or just plain lazy. The interesting people are those who keep something back and do give everything up to fast. To maintain equal partners you first my have equal right and responsibilties.

Annielise Stone 22/6/10

Part 6 Acknowledging the Inner Child and trying to keep the peace.

When I think of the other parts of the Inner Child I realise that she it a part of me like eating sleeping and breathing. In some aspects a twin of my inner emotions not wanted to deal with at Child hood level because at the time not having the understanding or knowledge to actually recognising what she wants or needs. Again perhaps it’s a little of both.

Through out lives we are condition to do the right thing to know right from wrong and to be good and we will be rewarded. Even some religions state that our pecking order is judged on the acts of good deeds what we achieve in this time will set us in good faith for what is to come. Now this where it gets a little sticky because for a huge amount of people from every where in the world who don’t believe in parts of the important document then this don’t mean much.

A promise of finding something or someone that has been missing from their lives in a place where people describe of peace and tranquilly and light and love. So again they say the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Yet we all like different things and we all eat different things so our views and thoughts again of this can again be completely at odds with someone else.

I could really get deep with this but again that would take several hours of typing and lots of words and views and opinions on my part. So for now we all have our own views on the subject of God and Heaven. Some of us believe in reincarnation and some of us belief it don’t matter what you do or say when you’re dead your dead and that’s that.

Now this again gets a bit tricky for me because if it was the case when you’re dead your dead. I would not have been talking to the other side my whole life would I?

I would not have experience the things I have seen or felt and neither would anyone else who has these gifts. Neither would I been able to pass on accurate information to people I had never met give names dates and places not only in this country but in other parts of the world and some of them I could not even speak the language. But that is great because it shows, if something need saying a message gets there one way or another.

So back to the Inner child if we can understand her frustration her worries and her fears we are already half way to helping not only ourselves but our children if we recognise certain traits and behaviour patterns surely in time we wont over re act and learn we don’t have to be perfect to be loved or wanted. We just need to learn to love and accept ourselves for us. WARTS and ALL.

By learning to accept that we are who we are and that going on a sudden diet and starving ourselves is not going to work in the long run. The quick fix can only last as long as the tight under wear will let breathe with out crippling up in pain wearing black because we have read somewhere it makes us look thin and not wearing any strips because it don’t matter what the size you are its like drawing attention to the huge spot on your chin its going to get noticed. Like a huge beacon of light Saying look at me.

The inner child is a part of you if you can accept that your half way to accepting you. The magazines that imply that you have to have a certain look is fake just like half the pictures in it touched up with clever air brushing. Then thousand spent of false bits to make up for the bits that we think we need to look beautiful.

The famous quote beauty is seen by the eyes of the beholder. One mans drink is another mans poison. To be realistic again if your Dads short and your Mums short there a big chance your going to be short.

The famous DNA which makes us all unique is part also of our parents and their parents. That’s why some of us have blue eyes and our siblings can have green or brown eyes.

If everyone looked the same we end up forgetting who we are the zebra is black and white yet no too patterns are the same. A field of sheep which all appear to look the same are different each one with its own marks and personality. Twins can appear to be identical to a person who does not necessarily know them but again to a loved one they know who is who.

So my response to all of your you and your Inner Childs love them and treat them as you want to be treated listen to them allow them the odd strop and accept you for you. In the long run acceptance is the biggest part of acknowledgement and acknowledgement lets you grow move on and deal with all sorts of life’s little issues they throw at us.

Annielise Stone

Intuition guidance a thirst for knowledge, synchronicity

Synchronicity

Chance meetings information and guidance

Synchronicity is the coming together of inner and outer events in a way that cannot be explained by cause and effect and that is meaningful to the observer. — Carl Jung

The Alchemist written by Paulo Coelho, For everyone who believes in following their dreams.

About four to five years ago I met a Brazilian lady in my local sports centre she was on holiday visiting friends. We stuck up a conversation and spoke about the good old British weather and she spoke about her family and other countries she had visited. She was reading a book called Brida written by Paulo Coelho. Her copy was in Spanish so she suggested that I may like another of his books called the Alchemist. I thanked her and said if I got the opportunity I would read the book. A few days later out of the blue a friend rang and said she had been passing a book shop and had seen a book I might be interested in and had brought it because it had literately jumped out at her. I said it would happen to be the Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo yes she said have you already read it. I replied I hadn’t but was looking forward to reading it.

On receiving the book I was immediately drawn to it the simple story of a Shepard boy who lives and works with the sheep he uses books as pillows and dreams like every one of travel and a better life. One night he has a dream about a journey to find the Alchemist and to learn to the skills to make gold. The boys dream is so strong and real that he sets off on a long journey and it’s a story about self discovery and the people he meets along the way.

I read the whole book in a day and then I read it again just because I was so drawn to it. The book has sold over 65 million copies and is written in several languages. The book

Is it a good read yes excellent? I enjoyed his books so much that I now have every book the author had written in English. One of my favourites is Veronica decides to die. Later this year or perhaps early next year they are making a film of it.

Earlier last year I finally got to read Brida as he had it translated into English. The same book that the Brazilian lady had in her bag.

Going back to the Alchemist I found that over the next few years I would meet people who I would recognise as characters from the book., of course they did not have the same names or jobs but they did seem to have the same attitudes.

Ok so whets the Alchemist got to do with me and Synchronicity to me it woke me up to the possibility of all things. That we all have to have a dream to work to and once we get near to the dream to expanded it and make it bigger. I know I don’t want to be the Glass merchant who ever year talks about saving his money and going to Mecca. Dreams are meant to move to change to grow not to stagnate and become a dim light. Like the Shepard boy in the Alchemist I too had a dream that I would come to New Zealand at the time I did not know if it was to be a holiday or to live. I had a job a home and family. I was not in a position just to leave or seriously at the time did I actually think it would come off.

The dreams continued and I watch for signs for coincidences. And slowly over a period of 6 to 18 months I left my home a journeyed to another county to a new town that I knew nothing about because I believed in Synchronicity. I did not want to be the glass merchant I had spent too many years talking about doing something and wanting something that even if long term I find out its not for me at least I have taken the dream expanded it and make it grow.

Now to be honest it’s not been an easy journey and its not all milk and honey. I am human and I have to pay bills and live and to be honest I am not looking for the Alchemist. What I am trying to do is share with others that I could have stayed at home spent some money on a decent car and perhaps some new furniture and paid off a few bills but in my heart I would have always wondered what if.

I have been told that to be in a routine you have to do it for at least 3 weeks that’s the same journey back and forth to work or school visit the same shops and supermarkets clean, wash and cook etc. I can honestly say that my desire to find the Alchemist is as strong as ever not for the gold but for the dream and for the journey to keep expanding my dreams maybe not is such big ways all the time but not to get in a rut or a long term routine ro explore all the options to seek out new ideas visions and thoughts not only mine but others too.To keep learning to teach and to grow.

So a very big thank you to the Brazilian Lady who took the time to share her book with me and also to everyone else who has helped makes my journey interesting exiting and safe. Also thank you to Paulo for his amazing insights to let us all be dreamers.

Please keep writing your wonderful books and stories you reach so many souls.

And who know if Synchronicity is working and part of my journey one day that we might meet then again that would be wonderful too. Thank you Annielise Stone.

It is also said by Deep Chopra; who also has some opinions linked to Synchronicity like Carl Jung. A blurb below describes some of his thoughts.

In Synchrodestiny, Deepak Chopra teaches us to see coincidences as messages about the miraculous potential of each moment. He reveals how, through understanding the forces that shape coincidences, you can learn to live at a deeper level and access the flow of synchronicity that lies at the heart of existence. He writes about `the seven principles of synchrodestiny’ and gives you practical techniques for applying those principles in your everyday life. As you learn to recognise the meaning and pattern behind the things that happen to you, apparently by chance, you will become aware of yourself as a part of the divine flow of existence. In this state of expanded self-awareness, you will experience your environment as always positive, always helping you in a synchronistic way to unfold your highest good. In fact you will know, then, that you inhabit a world in which miracles are a daily occurrence. If many people were able to move into this new state of consciousness, says Deepak Chopra, this would result in the simultaneous co-arising of events that would lead to a completely new world…. a miraculous prospect indeed.

Again these books are available from books shops the publisher is Cygnet.

I have read many books by the author and I can honestly say that each of them carries a Message.

Follow your dreams and look forward to the next adventure.  annielise

Over the years I have had many rewarding and magical experiences on my journey. I find sometime that when you least expect things to happen the most wonderful and exciting experiences happen.

A few years back I was visiting a Catholic school my friend had an appointment with the head teacher and I had been to the school on a previous occasion with another a friend who was looking to find a suitable school for her child. So again I had gone along again. I am not a Catholic I say this because the experience or the vision I had was in waiting area in the school.

On with the post my friend had gone in to speak to the head there were other people walking around but most of the time it was just me. I was drawn to a picture of Christ.

As I looked at the picture before me it began to alter first face became child like then of an older man back to the original picture. I watched it for several minutes drawn to the fact that the picture appeared to have an energy life force. In my mind I question it and was told just to watch. Again the picture went through different transformations even down to having a face of baby. The picture was full of love and light and the experience was truly uplifting.

To me I thought what a wonderful way to show that even the simplest miracles happen when you least expect them.

My friend was in the meeting for over 15 minutes the strange thing was no one else walked by and my vision was UN disturbed.

As its Easter Sunday draws closed for another year I thought it was a nice Discussion to add.

Thanks for listening  Annielise Stone

I can’t believe this is my first Christmas back in the UK since 2006 went to Oxford Street in London to see the lights and can you believe it over 200,000 people also had the same idea. Everyone was pushing and shoving the true meaning of the Christmas spirit was lost.  The country is in recession yet they were buying like there was no tomorrow. It reminded me of the who’s in who vile the only problem with this lot 90% of it would be back in the Christmas sales returned as unwanted gifts. I saw every nationality creed and colour and everyone was pushing and shoving to buy what a beige jumper for someone they don’t see and don’t really like. I don’t want to be the Grinch who steels Christmas just to find out if the true meaning is still here. But do really want to run up the credit cards for the stores shops and internet sites only to find out that after all it came just the same.  So if I have touched a nerve with a few of you its not all baa humbug either. Perhaps if we were all a bit nicer to each other then it would not matter that we spent £100 on trying to keep up with the Jones and still end up with a present that you gave to your second cousin twice removed on your father’s side and now its back to haunt you.
I hate to be so cynical because deep down I do like the holiday the music the films and the cheer. It’s a real shame that we can’t all have a fairy tale ending.

But that don’t stop me wanting everyone to have a less stressful time and family time and a time of good cheer to all fellow men women and animals.
I wish everyone a happy Christmas and may that get what truly matters to them.  I hope the price tag is something they can afford and that they don’t want to take it back on December 27th when the shops open to return it.

Love to all annielise

Turning it around trying to use your own secret by Annielise Stone

Turning it around trying to use your own secret

I have been rather lax with my posts of late and so I feel drawn to at least acknowledge that. We spend so much time in a state or worry of loss and sometimes despair that we are all ignoring our real destiny and self discovery.

Each of us has our own personal crisis nearly every one is affected by the recession which for some countries is worse than others. Those who have jobs are less tolerant of others which in turn make them fearful and weak.

They pretend to look busy and not interested for fear again someone might realise it and then they will be come the UN employed. Whilst I realise that this is a defence again I don’t find it acceptable that another human can be so cruel and rude.

There is an old say there but for the grace of god. So I ask that we all treat each other with a bit more tolerance and respect.

For others who seek love again they only draw to them who they desperately don’t want the cheaters the beaters and liars instead of honestly kindness and loyalty. We easily get dragged into rows confrontations and situations that leave us drained and feeling at a loss.

To give back the hope and the encouragement we have all got to look deep inside of ourselves and recognise that the more we admit failure the more we tell ourselves that we are not worthily in turn we are actually acknowledging the negative side of our natures and so what follows on is more of the same.

My fears my routine of thinking, that everyone is in the same boat only then attaches to me the same fear. To break out of this my intention is to recognise that I am the master of my own destiny and the more I moan about things not going my way the more I draw from it. The results then follows a deeper pattern and so the landslide progresses.

If you want to escape the situation create a better one. The more you sympathise with how awful or bad or wrong something are again the onus is to acknowledge not the help but you’re giving the ok that’s it acceptable.  Words create thoughts thought’s create actions.

Actions create issues. Issue create problems. Positive actions bring results positive results.

The principle of a book called the Secret is working as a part of a partnership of your own synchronicity and creativity. For a while I challenged this not the principle but more the case of how does it work for we all would want a cheque for a huge some of money and we are all worthy causes.

I have recently altered my reasoning slightly for it’s the intention rather than the amount which is the important part. Rather than the amount of money it’s the intention the act.

If we seek out to be more optimistic we draw optimism to us. The affect then is a lighter more up beat result and then in turn follows and up.

If you start the day on a sour note more often or not it follows through. If however you look at the problem with a different tune turn it around then again your find the day can end on a good note.

Remember to get a good out look your first have to create the picture which goes back to my first post of the year the Jigsaw puzzle creating who and what you want in your picture.

Best wishes Annielise

The Healing Room a meditation to help create your own personal space written by Annielise Stone

The Healing Room

This meditation is designed to help people deal with negative people to give them a way of connecting to others who they may have not had time to say goodbye or to deal with personal and private issues.

Written with the help of spirit updated when required.

Hi come with me and join my mediation on this walk we will create for you your own personal space, you can enter when ever you feel stressed down or in need of a haven.

In this room you will be totally at peace free from harm and feel totally loved and valued.

First let us set the scene. Find a half hour when you can have a relaxing bath put on your favourite music lots of bubbles and candles turn off your phone and send the kids to play, you can also do this once they are in bed or perhaps at school..

You can also burn your favourite incense or have scented candles, bowls of fresh flowers. Coffee on the stove or the smell of fresh baked bread what ever you want to give you a relaxed and warm feeling.

Next you are going to try to imagine that you are going on a journey to your own space and time to enter you will need a key. You can keep the key on a chain around your neck on in your pocket.

That’s not important for the key will present itself and you will already have a special place to keep it. The key is magical it can only be felt and seen by you.

The warm water of the bath relaxes you all the days worries lift and you start to dream. The dream can be a day dream or of sleep whatever you feel you need and from this point you will be totally safe relaxed and ready to take the next step of this amazing journey.

Reach into your pocket here you will find a key feel it decide what it looks like, is it large and made of  brass or small just like? A trinket or wooden jewellery case.

When you have decided that you have your key we are going for a walk.

Now take the key, I want you to relax and to feel perfectly at ease close your eyes and go to the place where you feel at peace. In your mind we are going for a walk it is to your special place and deep in your pocket is your key you reach deep down inside and hold it in your fingers. Next I want you to go out of the room and then out of your door back or front you decide this is your walk.

Once outside you turn left and you start to walk down the street in your mind you are happy it is a warm sunny day not too hot just nice. You can here the all manner of different birds and familiar noises from every place you have ever lived or visited in the distance, you can smell the ocean and every where birds are singing, bee gently buzzing around the flowers. Children are laughing and playing a group of mother’s talking quietly to each other and although you see them they don’t speak they just smile and nod their heads.

As you continue on your walk you see a dog with its owner. You see two old ladies having a conversation and a boy on a bike delivering papers.

You carry on walking until you reach a pathway now you have to decide do you go left for a beach walk down to the ocean and to the caves. Or whether you go right and this leads to the forest all green and lush.

Once you have decided which way to walk you then follow your path going over rocks and trees, or sand and cliffs. Here you come to a small clearing.

There you see a   huge oak tree in it is a small door if you chose the beach walk you will come to a cave and that is protect by a wall and in the wall is a lock.

You reach into your pocket take out the key and put it in the lock of the door. The key goes in easily it turns you take the key out and put it safely away in your pocket. You open the door and walk in. Here there are two rooms the first is your room there are 3 windows and out of each window you choose your view it could be a winter snow scene it could be the beach with lots of fine sand and a large surf and in the water there are dolphins, here you will come at one time and loose your fear of the water.

But not today for this is your room it can be painted, papered you can have a blank canvas and put what ever you want on it. In the centre of the room on the centre wall is a fire this can be modern or an old fire place with logs on it over the fire place is a mantel.

Above that is a mirror. When you look in the mirror you can see any time in your life you can view all the happy times and you can talk to others and they will talk back. It is there to boost your confidence and your energy.

Beside the fire is a chair this is a comfort chair with lost of pillows and a cover to wrap around your feet by the chair is a book case.

The book case it is full of all your favourite books and stories and some of the things you valued as a child, a music box stands on a table next to that are photos of everyone,

You have ever thought about and liked an old teacher, a favourite pet. On the walls there are several shelves of different heights and sizes. He you put your other treasures. The shelf I want to draw you attention to is the long one.

On this shelf are lots of jars full of medicine some herbal  some with things like laughter, happiness, hope, love, wisdom, knowledge and some empty one so you can release the anger the frustration and the negativity. If you suffer with head aches there will be a jar of lavender.

Here you can put what ever you need you’re automatically know what you want in them. You create this room this is your space to be, it is your haven no one will judge you here no one will condemn you or make you feel unworthy.

Here this place is yours and because you have created it  in your own mind you can go there anytime and add things paintings of your children take a pet but remember this is your room and you decide what you bring and what you leave.

On the other side of the room is a fridge full of fresh food. A sink to wash and a small shower or bath that is discretely placed out of sight and perfectly useable with hot fluffy towels. Here you will never be hungry or thirsty. You will only be free. Out side the second window it looks into Europe to all the places you would like to see and visit.

When you have seen all of Europe it will change for you to experience India and Africa you will never run out of things for you to see and do. The third window shows a beautiful garden with a swing and a small pond with a selection of fresh vegetables and mature fruit trees. Everywhere lots of spring flowers and rose bushes.

In the corner of the room is another door it leads into another room here you can meet for a maximum of 3 times a loved one and ask them questions this is for you to be able to set records straight in your own mind.

You can ask for people of the spirit realms or even of the earth plane you will be able to ask them why things happened as they did they will answer your questions.  You have a chance to replay an occasion of pain or discomfort and ask them if they now consider it fair.

Remember these people come of free will they will only come if they and you can reach a level of understanding to attempt to put right certain episodes in your life. That has stopped you from moving on.

The reason they will only come 3 times

is if you cannot work out on then you must except that you have tried and acknowledge the pain and try to move on. How it works it that when at school a former pupil made your life hell they were unkind cruel and they made you feel less because of that it affected how you moved on it affected your first job and how then other adults treated you.

By bring you both together you can tell this to them they in turn may recognise that they have hurt you and then by talking through the  feelings you are able to put this episode away. And get on with life.

It also means that people who have not had a chance to say goodbye to a loved one can talk and know that they are ok.

Once you have finished your conversation you will then return to your room and feel better knowing that you can move on.

Your room is your salvation it gives you space to be you. Then when you need up liftment you can take your key go for your walk and be in your own safe space.

When you want to return you shut your door lock it with your key put the key back in your pocket or around you neck walk back the way you came down to your street back in your door and you are home feeling fleshed and ready to take on the next lot of chores.

This meditation comes straight from spirit it is sent with love to assist well being and give encouragement. Give it a try and let me know if it helps you through some difficult times remember you may pass it on but remember who it came from and use it wisely to those in need rather than those who have ego love and light annielisexxxx

The Promise.

Keeping promises our loves ones are always around checking on us letting us know they are there its really important to them to keep promises they know that so many of us are lonely and sad and they just want to let us know that they are always trying to find ways to let us know they are around. Annielise Stone

The promise I made because I was going

We both knew I would leave

Time my darling is a number

Now just believe.

Looking into your heart you will find the key

I am here just waiting for you to believe

Can you see the wind?

NO but you can feel it.

Just because you can’t see me does not mean I am not there

Can you hear a feather drop or high pitch whistle of sound?

No but you can see it.

Just because you can’t hear me you’re not listening to your heart.

Can you reach out and touch me?

No but I will reach out and touch you.

Just because you can’t touch me does not mean I am not there.

I will find away to show you I’m here

So just for today close you eyes and open your heart

Feel my love and know we are not apart.

Can you trust me?

Yes I will find away to let you know I am here

With you every day I watch when you fall asleep

I wipe away your tears I hold you close.

I listen to your every breath.

I am keeping my promise.

Written By Annielise Stone copy write protected.

Keep your fork

“There’s one more thing,” she said excitedly.
“What’s that?” came the pastor’s reply.
“This is very important,” the young woman continued.
“I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.”
The pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.
That surprises you, doesn’t it?” the young woman asked.
“Well, to be honest, I’m puzzled by the request,” said the pastor.
The young woman explained. “My grandmother once told me this story, and from there on out, I have always done so. I have also always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of
encouragement.
In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, ‘Keep your fork.’
It was my favourite part because I knew that something better was coming…like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder “What’s with the fork?” Then I want you to tell them: “Keep your fork ..the best is yet to come.”

The pastor’s eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a
better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge.

She KNEW that something better was coming.
At the funeral people were walking by the young woman’s casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand.

Over and over, the pastor heard the question “What’s with the fork?” And over and over he smiled.
During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.

He was right.
So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.
Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.

Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share… being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.

A jar of mayonnaise and 2 cups of coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar…and the 2 cups of coffee…

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, silently, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.

He shook the jar lightly, and 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”. The professor then

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, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things:

your God, your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter - like your job, your house, and your 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. If you spend all your time and energy on the

Small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play

With your children. Take time to get medical check-ups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. 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 his 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.”

Please share this with someone you care about. I JUST DID