Today I am 60 years old. It’s taken me a while to be able to say it – although I still cringe a little. Several years ago, I heard a quote I loved and decided to make it my life motto.  “Live your dash.” It means on your headstone is the date you were born and the date you die and there is the dash in between those dates. So I decided to work on living my dash. I am presently in a cabin in the woods with some of my best friends celebrating two of our birthdays that happen to total 100 so we are calling it the Centennial Celebration. It’s a plan that has been in the works for months. And it’s finally here.

I have spent a lot of time in the last few years living my dash. Making side trips at conferences, traveling to Europe, doing the things that are on my bucket list. My mission has been–basically– to kick my dash’s ass. That mission is continuing to be accomplished as we speak!

My goal is to somehow leave a legacy. Whether that is having someone tell me that I’ve taught them something or seeing someone I’ve mentored rise to a new positive place in their life or seeing the things I’ve worked so hard to contribute to be successful. I feel like I will have left a legacy.

What have I learned from this experience?

Surround yourself with people who lift you up. I would not have had the experiences I’ve had or the fun I’ve had without the friends who have been with me throughout my life.

Don’t worry about what others think about you. Be you. Your authentic self.

Do good. Helping others helps you. Volunteer, mentor, teach, lead. Find the way that works best for you to do good.

Love unconditionally. Every person is worthy of your love. Share it with them. You will end up the winner when you give your love unconditionally and receive love you don’t expect in return.

One of the songs that really touches me on this very topic is Beyonce’s “I was here.” Please, please check it out at – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i41qWJ6QjPI – and then go out and kick your own dash’s ass because I’m sure busy kicking my dash’s ass right now and it is amazing!