Bob Perks tells how he went to his florist one day to purchase some flowers for his wife when he saw an unusual sight, a tree with rocks growing on it!
"You see, the approximately six foot tall tree had rocks hanging by string on four branches. Each placed at four points as if to create balance. In fact the woman told me that is exactly what it does, creates balance. They read about it in a oriental horticulture book. The tree planted there before died. They couldn't get one to root there. The book said that by balancing the tree and weighting it down, the tree would have a better chance of survival.
In recent months I have discovered articles and references to that same principle as it applies to our lives. Often times the reason why we fail at achieving our goals and dreams is that our lives are not balanced properly. It's obvious when you consider the person who works too much. Everything else including marriage and family life suffers.
Balance and success come about by giving the right value or importance to all aspects of our lives. Work extra when necessary and play harder during those times when the pressures of life begin to build. Learn to say no to things that will disrupt the priorities you have set. But as in goal setting write your plans in pencil. Adjust as life changes.
In my mind the four corners of a balanced , successful life are as follows: Spiritual, family, personal and professional. They are in fact in order of importance. Just like the tree, when we learn to balance our lives our roots grow stronger. We open ourselves to the nourishment that a balanced life provides and the fruits of our efforts are abundant in all four areas. Strong roots help us to stand tall against the most destructive storms."
Source: Bob Perks 2001. Used with permission
Applications: balance, stress, life management, growth, priorities, values