There is a very popular and poignant poem by Linda Ellis that talks about "The Dash", the dash being that little line between the date you are born and the date you die. That little line represents a lifetime, however long or short. My question is:
What have you done with your dash to date and what would you like to do?
After you die, people who knew you (or think they knew you) will do a dash assessment, a retrospective review of your life. They will eulogize you formally or informally as they consider and articulate the mark you made on their lives and the lives of others.
Rather than wait to see how things turn out, why not do concurrent and prospective review of your dash. Look at where you are right now. Look at where you would like to be. Then make a plan and take action to close the gap. Don't forget to draw on the part of your dash that you have already lived. Use the lessons you've learned to chart a course to your dreams.
Today is the first day of the rest of your dash. Don't waste it!
Share the health.
Deborah White, MD, MBA
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