What Can You Do With Your DASH? Embracing Change to Make Your Life More Meaningful

Callie Ward

Have you ever thought about the DASH? You know, that little symbol between the day you were born and the day you die. It represents your life, your impact, and the blessings you’ve received. It’s a powerful reminder to make the most of the time we have.

For me, the idea of the DASH became even more meaningful after experiencing multiple losses in my early 20s. It made me realize that life is too short to leave things unsaid, undone, or in a mess. It ignited a fire in me to live with purpose and make every moment count.

One of the biggest changes in my life came when I found out my ex was cheating on me while I was expecting our second child. It was a painful and challenging time, but I refused to let fear paralyze me. I likened it to having a huge tire blowout on the road of life. I didn’t know how to change the tire, but I figured it out and got back on the road. There were no guarantees that I was on the right path, but I was moving forward, and that’s what mattered.

The other reason the DASH holds special meaning for me is how I met my now-husband at my boys’ daycare. It was love, it was work, and it was a blessing. Fast forward 25 years, and we now have three beautiful grandchildren. Our grandson started calling me DASH, and I absolutely love it. It fits me perfectly, especially considering my passion for helping doctors and teams find their purpose and feel fulfilled in their work.

But let’s talk about fear for a moment. Fear is a liar, as the Christian country song goes. It keeps us stuck and prevents us from making the changes we need to grow. I’ve learned that fear can actually be a motivator for me. It ticks me off enough to push through and prove it wrong. After all, resisting change rarely leads to growth or improvement.

To move past fear, I’ve found that planning and faith are key. I made sure to have my ducks in a row and a backup plan in case things didn’t go as planned. I had faith in my abilities and the drive to succeed. I didn’t listen to the fear of “what if” or how I would survive. I listened to my gut telling me that I could do it.

Relationships and networking have played a crucial role in my journey. I have mentors, thought partners, and coaches who have helped me overcome my fears and push through. Their confidence in me has been a driving force. One client even shared how much of an impact I had made on his practice and life, further reinforcing my decision to trust my heart and take the leap.

Integrity has always been important to me. I couldn’t continue coaching others to find their passions and integrate them into their work if I wasn’t doing the same. So, I took a big leap and started my own consulting business, Dash Dental Consulting. The fear was immense, but the feeling of satisfaction and freedom that came with it was worth it.

This whole journey has reminded me of when I started running. I used to tell myself I couldn’t run a mile, but I shattered that belief and proved to myself that I could. It made me wonder what other limitations I had placed on myself that I could break through with hard work and determination. What limitations are you putting on yourself?

You have the power to design your DASH and make it happen, despite the fears. Face those fears head-on and crush them. Trust me, if I can do it, so can you. So, fix your eyes on your dreams and find a way to make them a reality. Embrace the changes, overcome the fear, and live a life that truly matters. Your DASH is waiting for you.

In addition to everything we’ve talked about so far, I want to dive deeper into some other important aspects of living a purposeful life. These additional points are crucial in shaping our journeys and finding true fulfillment:

Embracing Vulnerability: It’s essential to recognize the power of vulnerability in our lives. When we open ourselves up to new experiences and allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we create opportunities for growth and personal development. It takes courage to step outside of our comfort zones and embrace vulnerability, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Learning from Failures and Setbacks: Failures and setbacks are not the end of the road; they are stepping stones to success. It’s vital to view these moments as valuable learning opportunities. By reframing our perspective and embracing the lessons they offer, we can turn failures into fuel for growth and greater achievements.

Practicing Self-Care and Self-Compassion: Taking care of ourselves, both physically and mentally, is crucial for leading a fulfilling life. It’s essential to establish boundaries, engage in activities we love, and seek support when needed. Moreover, practicing self-compassion and forgiving ourselves (GRACE) for mistakes or shortcomings allows us to nurture a positive and loving relationship with ourselves.

Cultivating Gratitude: Gratitude has the power to transform our lives. By actively seeking moments of gratitude and keeping a gratitude journal, we can shift our perspective and find joy in the simplest of things. Cultivating gratitude opens our hearts to the abundance and blessings that surround us, fostering a sense of fulfillment and contentment.

Finding Balance and Prioritizing What Truly Matters: Striking a balance in life is key to living with intention. We must reflect on our priorities and ensure that we are dedicating time and energy to what truly matters to us. By aligning our actions with our values and making conscious choices, we can create a life that brings us genuine happiness and fulfillment.

Embracing Lifelong Learning: The journey of personal growth and fulfillment never ends. Lifelong learning is a powerful tool for expanding our horizons and evolving as individuals. Whether it’s taking up new interests, enrolling in courses, or engaging in self-study, embracing the mindset of a lifelong learner opens doors to endless possibilities.

Leaving a Legacy: Consider the impact you want to have on the world and the legacy you want to leave behind. How can you make a positive difference in the lives of others? By aligning our actions with our values and focusing on leaving a lasting impact, we can create a meaningful legacy that inspires and uplifts others.

Celebrating Milestones and Achievements: It’s crucial to pause and acknowledge our milestones and achievements along the way. Celebrating our progress and giving ourselves credit for our accomplishments not only boosts our self-confidence but also brings joy and satisfaction to our journey.

These aspects enrich our understanding of living a purposeful life. They remind us to embrace vulnerability, learn from failures, prioritize self-care and self-compassion, cultivate gratitude, find balance, embrace lifelong learning, leave a legacy, and celebrate achievements. By incorporating these elements into our lives, we can create a life that is deeply fulfilling and meaningful. Let us embark on this journey of self-discovery and purpose, knowing that we have the power to shape our own DASH and make a lasting impact on the world.

With over 30+ years in dentistry, Callie understands how difficult it can be to harmonize patient care with the business side of the practice. As the founder of DASH Dental Consulting, her passion for relationshipdriven results combined with proven methods and guidance propel practices to unlock deeper levels of fulfillment and success.

Callie is committed to providing the level of authenticity and care you deserve, so you can enjoy your day, thrive with your team, and deliver an unparalleled patient experience.