In the Flow with Healing Waters

What makes up a year?

12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, 31,536,000 seconds

We measure things in years. Things like how old you are, when you got married, when you bought your first house, when someone died, when you moved, when you got your first job, or a new job, and so many other things that were impactful for you. 

Usually, as a year comes to an end, we reflect back to see what changes happened in our lives. We take inventory of our health, our well-being, and what we’ve accomplished and what we want for the new year. But, do you ever reflect on how you are showing up for yourself and others? Do you strive to do better? 

What comes to my mind is a poem that I have often seen on memorial cards at funerals. Perhaps many of you have seen it as well.

It’s called, “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 of the following date with tears, 

but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between the years.

For that dash represents all the time 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.

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 lived your dash?”

When reflecting on leaving 2023 and beginning 2024, think of how you lived your dash and how to add to your dash. If we each take the responsibility to do our best, respect each other, smile more, suspend judgment of others, care for ourselves, and care for others, you will inspire others to enhance their dash too. Make your dash the best ever in 2024!

Wishing each of you a happy, healthy New Year (in the flow),

Deb