MY NEIGHBOUR, ROMA, was 92 when she passed away. I was with her.
Her final gift to me was the last smile that ever graced her face.
An orphan, she worked as a domestic helper for six and a half days a week from when she was 13 until she was 28 years old. I was mesmerised by her stories and how she packed her life full of adventures – despite her difficult upbringing.
She took up mountain climbing in her 50s, and ball-room dancing in her 80s. She received a bronze medal level (which is apparently a big deal in ball room dancing circles) in her 90s.
Every sequin that covered her red dress, she had lovingly sewn on by hand. Every feather that delicately flowed as she gracefully moved – a tribute to her grace.
Our last conversation? She told me that your grave stone shows two dates with a dash in between. She told me that everyone’s ‘dash’ is really their life, and she said: “Make sure you pack yours with experience that are precious to you”.
What does your ‘dash’ look like so far?
Have you achieved what you were hoping to… or are you waiting for adventures to happen?
Don’t think that you will be able to learn about trading next year. None of us know what the future will bring – so cram your life with the things you love now. Make sure trading is one of those adventures.
It’s such a worthy ‘dash-activity’.
