Why do we drop the wrong balls?
A friend worked so hard and for so long, she ended up in the hospital. 12 months later, she continues to fight for her life. For what, exactly? Was it worth it? The company she used to work her is an ongoing business concern still, and her position has been backfilled.
Everyday, we have to juggle multiple responsibilities and commitments from work, family, and our significant others that compete for our time, resources and attention. Which ball can we drop? Which ones must we keep in the air? When we are young, we can easily recover from working too late and compromising our health. As we get older, the body can’t bounce back from the prolonged abuse and neglect. We don’t listen to our body, reciting over and over again: mind over body. No pain no gain. Sure, I understand. We must push boundaries and do better, but where do we draw the line? There has to be a limit. Why? Because we are humans. Because we are fallible. Because we deserve better.
Another friend fainted at work last week. She has been on 5th gear for the past 28 months. Body took control because the mind failed to do its part.
Let me get back to the ball analogy. Drop the ball representing work. Sure, life will be hard without a solid income but we can bounce back from a career setback. Drop the ball representing our physical health. What used to bounce back in our 20s have grown tired. It is now made of glass. If taken care of, it looks beautiful from the outside. If dropped, it will shatter into million pieces. It doesn’t bounce back.
If we must lighten the load, let’s drop the ball with the most bounce.