Living in the Dash: Choosing Legacy Over Fear

This past weekend, I attended the funeral of a childhood friend’s mother—someone who passed away unexpectedly. It was one of those moments that forced me to pause, reflect, and ask myself the deeper questions: Am I truly living a fulfilled life? Am I doing the things I was created to do?

You see, when we look at someone’s tombstone, there are three parts: the year they were born, the year they passed, and the little dash in between. That dash—though small—is powerful. It represents the life they lived, the love they shared, the impact they made, and the legacy they left behind. And the truth is, none of us know how long our dash will be.

At Darneisha B Coaching Service, I often remind my clients (and myself) that we can’t wait until the timing feels perfect. Life will always present challenges and moments that push us out of our comfort zones. Lately, I’ve found myself on the edge of some exciting but scary possibilities. The kind that make my heart race… but also make my spirit leap. I’m leaning in, even though it’s uncomfortable—because growth lives there. Fulfillment lives there. Purpose lives there.

So I want to encourage you today:

Go for it.

Start the business. Write the book. Take the trip. Set boundaries. Show up fully.

Be bold about who you are and what you’re called to do.

Fear is real, but so is legacy. And when we’re no longer here, that’s what we leave behind.

Let’s commit to living in the dash with intention. Not just existing, but thriving.

Because the best version of you isn’t found in the comfort zone. It’s found in the stretch.

And the world needs that version of you.

With love and purpose,

Darneisha B.

Founder of Darneisha B Coaching Service