What will your tombstone say?

My life? 1958 – 2043.

That’s what my tombstone will say. If the Shiraz does not get me sooner, and I last that long.

It could easily say 1958 – 2022. (Although I sincerely hope not!)

But that’s the point. The dates themselves are not that important – as long as they are a reasonable span of time apart.

The important thing about that inscription on my tombstone, and yours, is the ‘dash’ between the dates.

Incredible to think, but in the end, it’s what that ‘dash’ represents that makes up a life.

That tiny little piece of punctuation.

‘ –‘

Oh, but what a great deal it can signify!

What’s your ‘dash’?

Dreary repetition? Mediocrity? Excuse-making? Wasted potential? Self-pity? Meanness of spirit? Missed opportunity? Sunny days spent on a sofa looking at your phone? Empty promises about what you will do ‘tomorrow’? Blaming and complaining? Regret and remorse?

All of us. You. Me. Everyone we know. Reduced to a tiny hyphen.

But what a life that little dash could represent!

Not a life that shook the world necessarily. You don’t have to be Nelson Mandela to make a difference.

Use every day. Give it your best. Be brave. Stretch yourself. Be kind. Build others up rather than tear down. Have a real go at reaching your dream. Take a few risks. Absorb failures with fortitude and relish the wins with humility. Be loyal. Laugh off the crap. Learn. Be tolerant. Be generous, in every way. Forgive easily. Mend fences. Laugh a lot. Love your family and friends, and make sure they know it.

On a tombstone; your ‘dash’, my ‘dash’, Mandela’s ‘dash’. All the same, give or take a few years.

But what does it stand for?

What will your dash represent when the tombstone goes up?

What did your life mean?

So maybe it’s this.

Don’t worry so much about the length of your life.

Just make sure you explore the full width of it.

(PS: UK Readers, enhance your life by attending my live masterclass in London in August 🙂

Crank up the volume and listen to John Mellencamp espousing the same views

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