The cars . . . the house . . . the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
~Linda Ellis~
We put the dates of a person’s birth and death on a gravestone with only a dash in between to denote their life and contribution. The dash symbolizes our entire lives—the time we have to create meaning for our families, our communities, our countries, the world, and ourselves.
We are more than just a dash. My curiosity drives my need to fill in the details of those who have gone before me. What were their hopes and dreams? Best accomplishments and worst fears? Were they happy? Did they struggle to find peace and happiness?
Lately I find myself wondering what I want that dash to say about me.
~ I want them to know that I loved and was loved.
~ I want to be remembered as a thoughtful and giving person who cared about others.
~ I want them to know that I want to make a difference in this world. It doesn't have to be a big difference, but just something to make the world a better place than before I got here.
~ I want them to know that I took risks. Sometimes they worked out, and sometimes they didn't... but I tried.
~ I want them to know that I handled life's difficulties with strength and grace. But I also made sure to be gentle with myself.
~ I want them to know that I have no regrets; I accomplished the goals I set for myself.
~ I want people to know that I laughed every single day and enjoyed this life to the fullest.
I am still writing my dash. What will YOUR dash say about you?