>> back to list of newsletters

November/December 2006
The Dash

Once again, the holiday season is upon us. As I get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, I look back on this year and I am so thankful for all the wonderful people I've met in my speaking and consulting engagements across the United States. You have all been so gracious to me and willing to implement the ideas and insights I was privileged to share with you. Thank you for validating me and the work I do. I am sure you know how much I admire and respect the work all of you do, giving of your talents, abilities and skills to make the workplace and the world a safer, more joyous place to be in.

Another thing I am thankful for this holiday season, is that my husband and I are taking a cruise next month to celebrate his birthday. As some of you know, Al plays the clarinet for his own enjoyment, and he is a big fan of dixieland jazz. This cruise will have six top bands from New Orleans playing dixieland and, when we are at sea, he will get to jam with them (the thrill of the whole cruise for him). So, since we will be "out to sea" for part of next month, I have combined my annual holiday Newsletter for November and December. In January, we will get back to the business of business!

I always love the holiday season 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 holiday 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?

We lead such busy lives. It's good at this holiday time to step back, take in this message, and share it with those you love. If you know someone who could use the sage advice contained in this poem, feel free to share it with him/her. If that person would like to receive my Newsletter, please e-mail me with their address and I will add it to the database. All my best wishes to you and yours for a joyous and peaceful holiday.
****************************************************
END OF THE YEAR SPECIAL!  Book a 2007 program before January 10th and get a 30% discount!

Are you looking for a keynote speaker for your next Conference? Are you gearing up for strategic planning in 2007? 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 healthcare. 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 and can be a master of ceremonies for your next event...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