Day 98: The Dash On Your Tombstone

I read an inspiring article this morning in the Los Angeles Times about USC's new Athletic Director, Pat Haden. I love this man's attitude and his philosophy on life. Now you know we are a Bruin household, and he is a Trojan, but all that aside, I think his insight is worth sharing.

The article profiled his very accomplished academic and athletic career at USC and the years after. It showcased his childhood as one of five children, where everyone worked; his Rhode Scholar status; his stellar career as a quarterback at USC despite his 5 foot 10 inch status. It laid out his very successful business endeavors and all the people interviewed and asked to give a little dirt on the man, couldn't come up with a damn thing.

Haden credited his very enriched life with a solid upbringing which emphasized a strong work ethic. He also talked about his Mom, which is why he probably got me. He credits her with him being the "good" man that he is today. The lessons parents can teach can last a lifetime. The examples we set can take our young children to the highest of their potential, and Haden is a great example of how parenthood pays off.

One of his life philosophies really got me thinking. When I mentioned the word "Dash" in the title of today's posting I was referring to the "-" that goes in between the dates you have lived. For example, I was born in 1961, and if I died this year, my tombstone would read: 1961 - 2010. Haden talks about living so that the "dash" in your life is the best it can be. That it's not about how many years you lived or when those years were, but how you spent your time living in between the day you were born and the day you will parish.

Haden's thoughts on life and living your dash to the fullest got me thinking ... Are you spending time with the people you love? Are you performing work that fulfills you? Are you happy in your current relationships? Are you happy? If not, then start filling up your "-" with happiness!