I came across The Dash Poem by Linda Ellis again ( you can find the poem below) and I remember that I found this poem after my father passed away.
I miss him greatly and always think of the impact he had on my life.
He encouraged me to seek a profession that I could be self-supporting. That led me to a career in nursing.
He encouraged me to be my own person and forge my own path, which I did.
He taught me to be kind, which I hope I am, and best of all…
He always organized our garages after our various moves, making them look great and efficient.
Dad, we have a garage that needs your expertise!
The poem encourages us to reflect on the significance of the “dash” that represents the time between our birth and our eventual passing. It emphasizes the importance of how we live our lives during that dash and the legacy we leave behind.
4 key points from The Dash
1. Our lives are finite. It’s crucial to make the most of our time because we don’t know our exact expiration date. Incorporating fitness into our lives aligns with this sentiment. By prioritizing our health and well-being through regular exercise, we are actively taking steps to enhance our dash. We are investing in our physical and mental well-being, allowing us to live life to the fullest and make the most of the time we have.
2. Leaving a legacy. The Dash Poem encourages us to consider the impact we have on others and the legacy we leave behind. When we prioritize fitness, we not only benefit ourselves but also inspire and influence those around us to remain healthy and relevant.
3. Embrace the journey. The Dash Poem encourages us to embrace the journey of life, acknowledging that it’s not just about the destination but also about the experiences along the way. What are your experiences? Can you create new ones?
4. Live with intention. The Dash Poem emphasizes the importance of living intentionally and making choices that align with our values and aspirations. One of the most powerful words we can use is NO. When we say yes to something that we are ambivalent about, we have to say no to something that may have more importance to us.
Using the principles of the Dash to have more fun along our life journey
- Dance like nobody’s watching. Dancing not only burns calories but also lifts your spirits and brings out your playful side. Whether it’s joining a dance class or simply grooving to your favorite tunes in the comfort of your own home, you’ll add a smile to your face and a lightness to your feet.
- Go Outdoors. Explore the great outdoors at whatever your fitness level. Being in nature not only provides a refreshing change of scenery but also adds an element of adventure and excitement to your day. It might be sitting in a chair outdoors or taking a walk.
- Group fitness classes: Join group fitness classes or exercise with friends. The energy and camaraderie of a group setting can make workouts more enjoyable. I personally love seeing everyone on screen at my T60Fit workouts in the morning. It gets the day going and it’s fun.
- Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. It doesn’t have to be aerial yoga, trampoline workouts, martial arts, or rock climbing, just experimenting with different activities keeps things exciting and prevents monotony. It’s an opportunity to discover new passions and find joy in movement.
Remember, adding a sense of fun to your fitness journey can make it more sustainable and enjoyable. When fitness becomes a fun and fulfilling part of your life, you’re more likely to stick with it and create lasting habits that contribute to a healthier and happier dash.
The Dash Poem
May 2015
The Dash Poem (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.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads whether they are here or have crossed the rainbow bridge. I love you Dad!
