ROCK thru the dash
by Lee Havenga | July 6, 2023
Sometimes, we stumble upon words or experiences that are so poignant and memorable that they forever change how we see the world. The poem “The Dash” was a transformative encounter for me. Before reading on, I encourage you to take two minutes to watch Linda Ellis share her poem “The Dash.” This seemingly insignificant symbol holds a deeper meaning—a reminder to slow down and consider how we really want to spend our life, the limited time we have in the dash, between our birth and our departure.
“And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.”
~ Linda Ellis, “The Dash”
RESPECT
Apply it: Recognize the Value of Every Being
“The Dash” reminds us to treat each other with Respect. The poem emphasizes that the dash between the dates on a tombstone represents the time spent alive on Earth. By treating others with Respect, we honor the significance of their dash and the unique experiences they bring. Let us embrace Respect and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the worth of every individual.
OWNERSHIP
Apply it: Leave a Legacy of Love
Within “The Dash,” we are invited to reflect on how we spend our dash and shape our legacy. The poem encourages us to consider what truly matters in life. It challenges us to take Ownership of our choices, actions, and the way we live and love. Let us seize the opportunity to rearrange our priorities, making the most of the time we have and leaving a lasting legacy of love.
CONNECTION
Apply it: Foster Meaningful Relationships
“The Dash” highlights the importance of Connection by encouraging us to slow down and consider what’s true and real. It prompts us to understand the feelings of others, be less quick to anger, and show appreciation and love to the people in our lives. Let us embrace Connection and cherish the relationships that enrich our dash.
KINDNESS
Apply it: Make a Positive Impact
The words of “The Dash” inspire us to wear a smile more often and strive to understand how other people feel. By embracing these principles, we create a ripple effect of Kindness that impacts the world around us. Let us cultivate a genuine smile that radiates warmth and compassion and make a conscious effort to empathize with others and comprehend their emotions. Through these simple yet profound acts, we can enrich our lives and those we encounter throughout our dash.
May you ROCK thru your dash — creating a life that fills your soul with purpose and the world with joy. XO ~ Lee
The Dash by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on the tombstone
From the beginning…to the end
He noted that first came the date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years
For that dash represents all the time
That they spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved them
Know what that little line is worth
For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars…the house…the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So, think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering this special dash
Might only last a little while
So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash…
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent YOUR dash?
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The words of “The Dash” inspire us to wear a smile more often and strive to understand how other people feel. By embracing these principles, we create a ripple effect of Kindness that impacts the world around us. Let us cultivate a genuine smile that radiates warmth and compassion and make a conscious effort to empathize with others and comprehend their emotions. Through these simple yet profound acts, we can enrich our lives and those we encounter throughout our dash.
Want to inspire a friend?
Forward this on so they can
ROCK thru too!
