The Lesson of the Five Balls

I have always looked to dentistry as a means to an end. It is an incredibly wonderful privilege to be a dentist-to be able to help people by relieving pain and suffering or to create beautiful smiles. And you can make a terrific living. But we can’t let the profession consume us. I read something recently that said to try to imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you are keeping all of them in the air at the same time. One day you come to understand that work is a rubber ball-and if you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls are made of glass, and if you drop any one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed or even shattered.

Once you understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginning of balance in your life. Remember the best way to measure your life is the time you spend living it. Today is a gift-that is why it is called the present. So my message again is to work hard but please remember to play hard – and don’t forget to take the time to smell those roses.