How Do You Live Your Dash?

In writing this blog I hope to remind others and myself about the importance of slowing down in the rat race world we live in. Time truly does fly and it's so important to remember that the people in our lives are the most important part of our lives.
Several years ago at a one day conference for women I was given a pamphlet that has the following short story on it. It has been a constant reminder to me of how short life really is and helps me to keep things in balance (at least most of the time :) I hope it will do the same for you.

How Do You Live Your Dash?
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone as being from the beginning..to the end. He noted that first came her date of birth, the beginning, and spoke of the date with tears, then of the second date, sadly the end 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 only those who loved her know what that little line is worth. For it matters not how much we own; cars, house, cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So think long and hard, are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.
Slow down enough to consider what's true and real. Be less quick to anger and love the people in our lives like we've never done before. Treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile...Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while. So, when your eulogy's being read, with your life's actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?