Start Today - "Live Your Dash"
Over the summer I had the opportunity to minister the eulogy of a beautiful young lady from my hometown. Such an unfortunate passing for this young lady who still had so much life ahead. I say untimely because she was years younger than myself. Because I had not seen her for many years I turned to her social media presence to see what life looked like through her eyes. She was always a “go-getter” and her incredible smile was contagious. My goodness, her life was so full of family, amazing friends and I must say this girl did so much in 55 years that Iit would take others a lifetime to fulfill.
My take away was she LIVED. She took chances, stepped out on faith, decided what she wanted and went for the gold (GOAL). She did not live well into her seventies or eighties. Her brief period of life was yet so aspiring. As a matter of fact I entitled the sermon for her service “Live Your Dash”. I remembered this poem at the time written by Linda Ellis. This poem is a reminder of what the dash signifies. You know there is the day we are born, then the dash following is the day we pass on to the after life.
That little small dash represents the life you lived. This got me to thinking about what my dash would mean once I transitioned. I know death can be a hard subject to discuss. However, as they say, everybody’s number will eventually come up. In this article I want to share with you some ways to be sure that your dash represents a well lived life. Or living a life with no regrets or as few as possible. I was already at a place in life that I had decided I would live my life to the fullest. I will Carpe Diem, live on purpose. live out loud. Of course this desire finally came after being a young married mother still growing myself, trying to raise my babies. Looking back now I wished I hadn’t wasted so much time trying to change other people when I should have been working on myself. Wow! Such revelation at age 60.
That’s what growth and spiritual maturity does for you. I want to take the opportunity to outline a few ways for you to live your best life everyday. Once we make certain decisions, stop trying to change everyone else and simply become the best version of ourselves, change will and must happen. Let’s look at 3 ways:
Understand the power of becoming - Each person goes through stages of growth and development. Of course I didn’t really need a college course to understand or solidify this. This is a natural occurrence. However, you have to learn to be ok with letting go of what was in order to embrace what is.
Personal development - I’m always working to transform or up level my thinking. Everyday I’m spending at least 30 minutes listening to a motivational recording or taking time to read a good book. I also spend time in the morning, journaling, listing my “to-do list” for the day (keeps me on tract through out the day). Finally I spend time meditating and having some quiet time.
Set Realistic Goals, Review and Repeat - One of the ways that I continue to move forward in life, business and ministry is my ability to set goals. I like to set short term goals. These are things I need to accomplish with in the week or over the next 30 days. Then I like to set long term goals. For example perhaps I have a financial goal that I desire to achieve 1 or 3 years ahead. This way I continue to push myself. I keep pressing toward the mark as the scripture declares in the bible. Listen, it’s important to make these goals bite-sized or realistic. It’s time to be honest with yourself. Now I’m not saying don’t stretch yourself. But I am saying don’t over extend. Not reaching a desired goal could cause you to feel that you just can’t accomplish what you desire or what you set out to do. I mention review because after we set the goals we must take action. To set goals and not take action is a worthless use of a good ink pen. After we take action then we must take a look at how far we are from hitting the bulls eye. Just in case things shift, our life changes, or the goal is met; it’s time for our NEXT.
I hope you gather my attempt to encourage you to “live your dash”. Live your best life. Each day when your eyes come open and you take a breath decide today, “I will live my dash”. I will enjoy this day no matter what the day brings. You get to decide exactly what this dash represents. Right now as you read this article, what is happening to your dash? One day your dash will be noted on a tombstone or listed in the local paper.
You decide!!!!!
Pastor Naomi