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December 2003
Annual End of the Year Poem

I am delighted at the response to last month's Newsletter on the story of Laura Bridgman.  Her story helps us see that EVERY life is a life of value, and we all have something to contribute to our world.   In January I will go back to my Newsletter on "The Power of a Vision ... A Leader's Journey."  However, as we enter the holiday season and start to plan for the year ahead, I came across a poem that I would like to share with you as this month's Newsletter.  It seems so fitting as we look back on one year and plan for another.  I hope this poem makes you stop for a moment and think about your life ... it made that type of impact on me.
 

- The Dash -
by Linda Ellis

 
I read of a reverend who stood up to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the date on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the 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
You could be at "dash mid-range."

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,
show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives like
we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
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 pleased with the things they say
about how you spent your dash?
 

This poem came to me on a day when I was completely out of focus, trying to do too many things at once.  I had been snapping at my assistant (who is one person I couldn't do without) and my husband (another person who means the world to me).  I was stressed and angry at myself and the world.  I am thankful that my assistant handed this to me and told me to take the time to read it.  It certainly put things in perspective.  If you know someone who could use the sage advice contained in this poem, please feel free to share it with him/her. If that person would like to receive my Newsletters, please e-mail me at bmintzer@barbaramintzer.com and I will put the name on our database.

All my best wishes to you and yours for a joyous and peaceful holiday.

About the Author

Barbara Mintzer is a nationally recognized speaker and consultant with over 30 years in business and health care. She speaks from experience! Her how-to programs provide participants with immediately applicable skills and strategies for getting buy-in and commitment from staff and staying on top of their professions in today's competitive and constantly changing workplace. Barbara presents keynote talks and breakout sessions for international, national, regional and state Conferences. She also conducts management retreats and in-house seminars. She facilitates panel discussions and roundtables at the same meeting...a good investment for your meeting budget. To explore the possibility of having Barbara speak at your next event, or work with your staff/leadership team, please contact her office.

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