The “In-Between”

Commemorating the passing of someone is never pleasant; whether this person was a close loved one or loved by others, the impact of his/her life is felt, and we face the unavoidable fact that only memories remain. I was reminded of this Friday night at the wake of a much-loved woman.

Typically, the commemorative cards or programs from one of these events include a familiar photo of the deceased and his/her date of birth and date of death separated by a hyphen (-) in-between the dates. As the priest noted at the wake on Friday, we are all born knowing the day we were born and that a day will come when we die. Regardless of faith or religion, this is a common truth with which none can argue. What we don’t know for sure is what happens in-between. And how we use the “in-between” dictates our legacy.

So, really, it’s that hyphen that counts the most.

Life is about relationships, after all; independence is a fallacy. In fact, we are all inter-dependent – relying on others to shape ourselves, our progress, our setbacks, our contribution.

Carpe Diem, you only live once, sleep is for the dead are all cliches we have heard a million times. But what do they really mean when you are working 60 hour work weeks, dividing yourself between work/family/kids/relationships, and leaving no time to reflect on where you are, who you are and who you need to be?

Time flies, and before you know it 2, 5, 10 years have passed and you may be in the same draining job, settling for the same unfulfilled relationship, making the same bad health choices, allowing life to take so much from you that you have nothing left to give back to anyone nor yourself. Then, all of a sudden, you have less time left to make corrections.

So do what I try to do – wake up a little earlier some days so you’re not so rushed; let the water in the shower run a little longer so you can make a mental list of those things you’d like to do more and those you really need to do less; park a little farther from your destination and use the extra steps to reflect on and ponder what your next steps should be. And most importantly, look around and identify who deserves your attention and who does not. Make time to reach out to a person or group who may need
your gifts- we all have a gift – and expand your reach.

Make that hyphen count.

Wishing You Success,
Natalya

In Loving Memory of Naia Maria Baron ( 1941 - 2009), a wonderful woman who impacted the lives of many while she lived and even more when she died.