The saying goes when we die there are two dates on our tombstone- the date we were born and the date we died. The saying continues by stating it does not matter when we were born or when we died. But, the most important thing on our tombstone is not the the dates, but the dash in between those dates. That dash is your life.
In a world where time often feels like it’s slipping through our fingers, it’s easy to get caught up in a sense of urgency. Deadlines, to-do lists, and looming responsibilities can weigh heavily, making it seem like there’s no room left for new opportunities or personal growth. But what if I told you that there’s a simple, almost playful way to reframe your perspective and reclaim your sense of possibility?
Imagine a dash—just a simple line. Now, if you turn that dash on its side and add a period, it transforms into an exclamation point! This tiny shift in punctuation can serve as a powerful metaphor for how we approach our lives.
What is The Dash?: A Symbol of Pause
The dash is often used to indicate a pause or interruption. It represents a break in thought or a space where something is yet to be completed. In life, this can be analogous to the times when we feel stuck or when our plans are temporarily halted. The dash signifies that something is in progress, not finished, and that there’s still room to grow.
The Period: A Moment of Finality
The period, on the other hand, marks the end of a sentence. It’s definitive, signaling that a thought or idea has reached its conclusion. When we see a period, we often think that things are settled and there’s no further action required. In our personal journeys, this can sometimes feel like an ending—when we think a goal is too far off or that a dream is no longer achievable.
The Exclamation Point: A Burst of Possibility
Now, let’s combine these elements. By turning the dash on its side and adding a period, we get an exclamation point: a symbol of excitement, enthusiasm, and new beginnings. It’s a reminder that there’s always room for a burst of energy and possibility, even when things seem to have stalled or reached a standstill.
The exclamation point challenges the finality of the period and the pause of the dash. It says, “Hey, there’s still time! There’s still room to take action, to change direction, or to find joy in the journey.”
Embracing the Exclamation Point in Your Life
So how can we apply this metaphor to our lives? Here are a few ways to embrace the power of the exclamation point:
1. Reframe Your Challenges: When faced with obstacles or delays, view them as temporary dashes rather than final periods. Recognize that there’s still room to maneuver and adapt.
2. Celebrate Small Wins: Each achievement, no matter how small, deserves its own exclamation point. Celebrate your progress and let each success remind you that more is possible.
3. Stay Open to New Opportunities: Just because something hasn’t worked out as planned doesn’t mean it’s over. Keep an open mind and look for new ways to reach your goals.
4. Infuse Enthusiasm into Your Actions: Approach your tasks and goals with the energy and excitement of an exclamation point. Your enthusiasm can be contagious and can help propel you forward.
5. Remember Your Resilience: Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. By viewing each challenge as a part of a larger journey, you can maintain a sense of optimism and possibility.
In conclusion, remember that you still have time. The dash is not a final statement but a pause. The period is not an end but a place to reconsider and redirect. And the exclamation point? It’s a burst of excitement and possibility, reminding us that the story is still being written, and there’s always room for more. So go ahead, embrace your exclamation point, and make the most of the time you have.
Everything you did or did not do with your life is expressed in that dash. The purpose you fulfilled or did not fulfill is in that dash. The lives you did or did not impact, did or did not inspire are in that dash. No matter how long you live, no matter your level of popularity, no matter the amount of wealth or debt accumulated, we all get the same dash when it is all over. It is just a matter of how you acquired it and when. What are you doing with your dash? You still have time. If you turn a dash on its side and add a period, it comes an exclamation point.