>> back to list of newsletters

December 2005
The Dash

Once again it's the Christmas season. Wasn't it just a few months ago that I was writing last year's Christmas Newsletter? I honestly don't know where the time flies. This year was a tumultuous one all over the globe, and I join with others in offering my hopes and prayers that next year will be a peaceful year for all mankind. On a personal note, I was blessed this year to meet hard-working, dedicated business and healthcare professionals across this country. In my travels and on my lecture circuit I came in contact with people committed to making this world a better place, one community at a time. You have my sincere admiration and heartfelt thanks for the work you do and the role models that you are.

For the new subscribers to my Newsletter, I always love December as I get to share one of my favorite poems with all my readers. I came across the following poem a few years ago, and I have made this my annual December 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 reflect on 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 is in memory of Julia McRoberts, a dedicated nurse and wonderful friend, who lost a valiant battle with cancer this year. If you know of 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 Newsletter, 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.

END OF THE YEAR SPECIAL! Book a 2006 program before December 3lst and get a 25% discount!

Are you looking for a keynote speaker for your next Conference? Are you gearing up for strategic planning in 2006? For the nurses reading this Newsletter, are you starting to plan your program for next year's Nurses Week? Please consider one of my customized programs for your special event. Please e-mail me or visit www.barbaramintzer.com for more information on my presentations, articles of interest, and an archive of past Newsletters.

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.

>> back to list of newsletters