The New Year...

When I was younger, I faced each new year with much hope and optimism..and eagerness of what was yet to come. Now, though I always have hope and am usually optimistic, sometimes I am not so eager. Ya know? Must have something to do with the passing of time...with getting older. At any rate. Here it is - the NEW year! I try to not make resolutions, but I do always intend for things to change. Sometimes they do...and sometimes not. It mostly depends on my focus. But, there are always new experiences and friends just around the corner to shake things up a bit. And, though this past year was difficult in some ways, I am thankful for each and every moment.

That brings me to two things.

First...this poem. I saw this on another site and looked it up. Tends to make one stop and think.

Click here to see the little movie. Or, read it below...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Dash

copyright 1996

Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak

at the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth

and spoke of the following 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

that can still be rearranged.

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,

and show appreciation more

and love the people in our lives

like we've never loved before.

If we 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 is being read

with your life's actions to rehash...

would you be proud of the things they

say about how you spend your dash?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This poem is available in a gift book, as a DVD & a framed print here.

Just remember the old adage...if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. That's all we can do. Let's try to fill that dash with moments we can be proud of.

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Second...

Saw this on Bren's blog and went to check it out. A 'challenge' of sorts. Check out Ali Edwards' blog.

ONE LITTLE WORD 2009

The idea is to choose a word

that will help you to focus on

where/who/what you want

to be in this coming year.

One that will act as a reminder.

A powerful word.

I have decided that my word is...

Truth is just that...truth.

Truth is that which simply is.

Not one's perception, but the facts.

(just the facts, ma'am)

How does Truth affect me?

Only in everything I live,

eat, and breathe.

Truth of the Word,

truth in my relationships

truth within myself

and others.

Truth from others.

Not half-truths,

not omissions...

Truth.

The whole Truth.

And nothing but the Truth.

So help me, God.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That's my word...what will your

ONE LITTLE WORD 2009 be???