OfflineI first read this poem a coouple years ago and it has changed my life forever. Just remember, you folks are in your DASH right now and you're days are numbered. Live everyday to its fullest and run towards your dreams as hard as you can.
This poem was written by an amazing author Linda Ellis. Enjoy.
THE DASH
I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of 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 she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her
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 that 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 spend your dash?
The poem is available in a gift book, framed print and journal from: www.lindaellis.net.
Linda Ellis
Copyright 2007
You've got to find your obstacles and call them out! Unsheath the sword, and do battle with whatever it is that holds you back!
Thank you again for making our day with your morning "shot in the arm" posting!
I have used this poem in seminars but not for a couple of years and I had forgotten how powerful it is.
This is a little too long for my steering wheel, still going with the "get out of the harbor" one from yesterday!
It is sooooooo true, ya just never know how long you have. The poem moved me to tears! I cherrish the time I get with my family and friends greatly, with everyone being so busy and always in a hurry there just doesn't seem to be enough hours to share. Thanks for the post! I'll make a real effort to improve my "dash" time!
Dawn
Life's a Dance you learn as you go...GET HAPPY FEET!
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed no hope at all." ~Dale Carnegie
Thanks Matt!
This poem is so true and so moving. We just never know how long our journey will be on this earth. Make the best of it, love and obey God, and live eveyday like it was your last.
Sissy
"THE ARCHITECT OF YOUR DESTINY IS YOURSELF"
"SUCCESS WALKS HAND IN HAND WITH FAILURE"
I run hard every day in hopes that my dash will mean something to someone. I really enjoy when people tell me something I said or did moved them into action.
You never know where your influence will end. It could go on for generations.
You've got to find your obstacles and call them out! Unsheath the sword, and do battle with whatever it is that holds you back!
Just wanted to share the poem I read every morning before I go to work.
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow-
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out-
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.