No, it’s not a post about a race. I think of this as a journey rather than a Dash. My motto is “Life is an adventure – Live in gratitude and enjoy every moment.” But that is also not the theme today.
The theme is the Dash. When Mark started talking about this on the webinar, the first thing that caught my attention was the years he happened to use. 1921 – 2012. Well, that is the exact life span of my father, who is also my best hero and role model. His Dash (that amount of living packed into the span between the two numbers) – was immense. He lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Calgary Stampede (riding broncs and bulls), right up to the dawn of the Information Age. He was well loved by all who knew him – always kind, ready to help, and ready to share whatever he could. He also had an excellent memory, especially for people, and he made people feel special. His motto was the Golden Rule – to always treat others as you would like to be treated. His was a Dash well lived.
How about my Dash? I like to think I have lived pretty well so far, but that I am still improving. My favourite time of year happens to be Springtime. This also resonated with me in the webinar, so I ask myself how many Springs do I have left? Of course there is no way to know, therefore of course I must live each day as if it is my last.
But – I like to think that I really HAVE had some wonderful Springs. Last Spring in particular, when I walked a pilgrimage in Spain, the Camino de Santiago de Compostela – what a way to live a Spring! The photo here is one of my daughter and I on the first day, sort of the first day of Spring for us. As we walked across northern Spain, we saw olive and eucalyptus trees burst into leaf, we saw flowers bloom, we saw vineyards flourish. Everywhere there were signs of Spring, and we got to enjoy it every day as we walked. I hadn’t thought so much about the choice of a Springtime Camino until last Sunday and then I thought – “Wow, that was perfect!” Now I wonder how many more Springs I can do something amazing like that?! I pledge right now to do something special (big or small) every spring to honour that season.
Reading obituaries has been more impactful than I thought it would be (but of course every exercise and activity has a purpose, right?) I was just reading an obituary about a lovely lady who was well loved by her family, and this quote was at the end:
“place no headstone, my monument shall be your memory of me. The happiness that filled our lives leaves no room for grieving. To honour me, do an act of kindness to another in need.”
I love your motto even though it wasn’t the focus of your blogpost. 🙂 What a beautiful quote at the very end and the call to action!
Arlene what a beautiful post… so heart felt and heart warming… your father and the exact years Mark J. spoke of! What an MKE miracle! I am posting to Facebook for you. See you next week!
Arlene enjoy reading your post seems your Dad and my mom had some things in common. That women sounded like she lived her life in gratitude her whole life. Even in death she was given more to get more.
I honour you! Powerful blog
Wonderful memories! Thank you for sharing! Seeing there’s more behind me than ahead I have decided to live. Yes every exercise is more revealing than it first seems.
Reblogged this on Boris Blog and commented:
How heartwarming to have had a father such as yours, Arlene, Thanks for this blog. Your open-mindedness and willingness to try something new, different, and to experience life from a different perspective is also an inspiration!