Start With What’s Important and the Rest Will Fall In Place
What you can learn from rocks and rice
Hi there!
The first time I saw it, it blew my mind.
When the speaker got up on stage, I couldn’t help but wonder about his props. He had a small bag of rice, another bag with five rocks in it, and an empty glass jar.
The speaker placed the items on a small table next to the podium and began his talk. I tried to concentrate on his words, but my mind stayed fixated on where those components were going to come into play.
About 10 minutes later, he referenced the items on the table next to him. He mentioned how the sack of rice represented all the insignificant things you have to do each day, such as stopping at the store or spending 15 minutes playing Candy Crush.
The rocks pictured the necessary things in life. Your rocks might include going to work, cleaning your house, or making sure you eat nutritious meals.
The glass jar represented one day, 24 hours for you to do all you can.
“You get to decide how to use that time,” he said.
“I think we live in a world where the most important thing is daily life: sharing a space with your family, making meals, being with your people. It's not only the idea of privacy, it's the beauty of the moment, at a time in the world when everything goes really fast - too fast.”
- Ana Tijoux
Scott Ninneman publishes two newsletters each week. The Sunday All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off Substack) features the newest content about bipolar life. The Speaking Bipolar Positivity Club Newsletter shares inspirational stories three times a week to help you maintain a positive mindset.
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