Finding Balance: The Juggler Metaphor
We all juggle life’s demands. True balance means protecting what’s fragile through awareness, not perfection or performance.
At some point, we all reach a state of overload, the kind that builds quietly under the surface, a result of work pressures, everyday demands, and the simple weight of modern life.
I’ve been there too.
Even with the best intentions, clarity, and motivation… life can suddenly feel like it’s too much.
The to-do list grows longer.
The calendar fills up.
And we start to lose the sense of rhythm and connection with what truly matters.
During one of those moments, a simple image helped me shift perspective, and I want to share it with you.
Let’s start with a story.
Imagine a juggler in the middle of a park, effortlessly tossing colourful balls into the air. Each one represents something vital in their life: work, family, health, friendships, personal growth, and time for themselves.
At first, the rhythm feels smooth. The juggler is focused, present, and in flow. But as life often does, it throws in something unexpected—a surprise task, a new demand, an emotional curveball.
The juggler tries to keep going, refusing to drop any of the balls. For a while, they succeed.
But eventually, the fatigue sets in. One ball slips. Then another. And that’s when they realize:
Not all the balls are made of the same material.
Some are rubber. They bounce.
Others are glass. If they fall, they may never be whole again.
This powerful metaphor was originally shared by Brian Dyson, former CEO of Coca-Cola, in a 1991 speech.
He named five essential balls:
Work, Family, Health, Friends, and Spirit.
Work, he said, is the rubber one.
The others?
Glass.
I love expanding this metaphor because it speaks directly to something many of us wrestle with: the myth that a balanced life means doing everything perfectly.
Here’s the truth:
A balanced life isn’t about keeping all the balls in the air. It’s about knowing which ones must never hit the ground.
Balance is about discernment, not performance.
A Reflection for Today
Take a moment to ask yourself:
What am I juggling right now?
Which “balls” in my life are made of glass?
Have I been treating any of them like rubber?
No need to fix anything just yet.
Start with awareness, because awareness is the beginning.
I leave this resource with you today.
Have a great weekend! Stay tuned 🚀 and see you next week. 👋
Irene
Disclaimer: The information provided in this newsletter and related resources is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It reflects both researched facts and my personal views. It does not constitute professional advice. Any actions taken based on the content of this newsletter are at the reader's discretion.