Thursday, February 11, 2010

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What will be the legend of your dash? By Pansy Hamilton Brown: True happiness in life comes from forgetting ourselves, and becoming wholly and totally engrossed in service to others. The dash (—) that traditionally separates a person's birth and death in writing, (1709-1807) must be seriously considered. It is not the birth, 1709, or the death 1807, that really matters — it is the dash that determines the quality of life, and this must be seriously considered. It is the dash that creates the legend of a life. The pertinent question is not really how long a person lives, but how well he lived his life. Individuals must resolve to be a positive contributor in being an example of good moral conduct. People should play the interesting game of life with confidence and be exemplary in all their dealings with mankind. Resolve to give attention to spiritual values and the obligation you owe to your Creator. Do what lies in your path faithfully and well, and avoid excuses for an unproductive and invaluable life. Live each day successfully and give little thought about tomorrow which has not been promised to anyone. Satchel Paige has established a philosophy that "We are only as old as we feel." There are many persons who are advanced in their chronological age but their minds are still alert and fresh. Such persons have been recipients of good mental health, which allows them the opportunity to relate and contribute positively to their family members and often to civic activities. Their state of mind opens the door for new information. They can recall major incidents in society and in their personal lives that if shared, can enrich the knowledge of younger persons. There are other persons who do not function as well, whether because of biological or psychological factors they are not as potent, active and alert. Even though these persons often wish that they could offer more, they find themselves with much limitations. These desires can be challenged by the state of their physical health, quality of their environment and their interpretation and acceptance of their state of life. From observation, there are many persons who have minimized their potential, and have slowed down, prematurely due to the reactions and personal acceptance of their seasons of life. Their attitude toward relationships, spiritual values, and the whole mix of human existence can often be misunderstood and dampened. How often do people bring their lives to a rest, darken their future and refuse to see lasting values in their abilities? They begin to think that they have nothing more to offer to the world, and that the gained, can far out-weigh the philosophies that are found in literature, and contemporary education. Adults can enhance their happiness and joy by refreshing themselves through experiencing the renewal that comes with every golden morning, filled with the opportunities to give service to mankind. John Mills who is said to have lived from 1806 - 1873, had the highest IQ since intelligence has been interpreted through scores. As he thought about happiness, he said, "Those only are happy who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness." Nobody will be spared some form of negative challenges due to pain, grief, disappointment, sorrow and frustration. They can however, choose to be happy and find satisfaction in life through a life of service to persons who truly need help as they put value to their "dash." Adults must remember that they are not too old to learn or to find new techniques that can make a difference in a changing world. If they are teachable and can cut across barriers of doubt, and refuse to accept inefficiency and an unproductive lifestyle, they will realize that there are still volumes of contributions that they can make to society. Adults and more senior citizens can be noted for their kindness because of the sensitivity of their spirit toward the needs of the world. "Happy indeed is the heart that is sensitive to another's insecurity. Happy are those who offer solace to others insecurity, and hostility, affection to others loneliness, friendship to those who have social issues, and forgiveness to those who acted out of erratic impulses. Blessed are such sensitive souls for they shall inherit the devotion and esteem of good people on the earth." — Robert Schuller. Many people worry about their age and the bumps that they have to override during their "dash." The obstacles that they meet on the pathway of life can be the essential building blocks for further development. There must be something to overcome in order to be an over-comer. What you do with your life is what gives value. If you are an adult and accomplished nothing, have not contributed in any way to the growth of anyone, have not made a positive difference in society, the home or community, perhaps you have wasted time, which is the greatest commodity that is at your disposal. If you use time well, your life and those of others will be the recipients of your contributions. The more you get involved in service to others without thinking about it, the happier and content you will be. Give generously and love even those who make themselves unfriendly. Children, youth and seniors can continue to enrich the hostile world with kind deeds. They can make legends of their invaluable contributions. They can make their experiences lesson books for generations that will follow their unmatched moment in time. What will be the legend of your DASH? Pansy Hamilton Brown can be reached at P.O. Box N-10152 Nassau, Bahamas or e-mail: pansyhamb@homail.com. Wednesday January 13, 2010