Thank You, Sunny
Last week, my grandmother Sonia (aka Sunny) passed away at the age of 95. I flew from Lisbon to Boston for a few days so that I could be at the funeral. It wasn't easy.
I was quite close with my grandmother. For the past 20 years, she would always insist that I call her every couple of weeks, no matter where in the world I might be. I would see her often, ever since I was a kid. It didn't change when I grew up either, despite my nonstop travels. Over the past few years, whenever I was in Florida, we would go out for brunch or dinner often and I would try to help her with shopping or whatever else she needed.
Since she absolutely did not like to sit still, I knew that my visits to the US would involve an abnormal amount of running around. But I didn't mind.
Up until the very end, my grandmother lived life her way.
Even at 95, she woke up every single morning and got dressed in clothes far more fashionable than most hip young adults. She would make sure her apartment was clean and organized. She would take a seat on the sofa and open the newspaper, and make sure that she was never far from her phone. She knew that she had to be ready.
She always wanted to be ready for what the day might bring, even if she didn't have a single plan. She was aware that if she wasn't fully prepared to take advantage of the surprises, opportunities, interactions and activities that appeared in life, they would pass her by. And when that happens, life becomes dull, unfulfilling and to her, a waste.
To me, this was an admirable approach. It made me realize the importance of always being ready, even when nothing seems to be happening. It involves being open, curious, confident and determined to make the most out of every moment. This approach is the reason I've been able to achieve my crazy travel goals, my never-ending work goals and my diverse personal goals.
I don't ever want to miss out on anything that could have an impact on my life (hence the reason I can't shake my addiction to travel). If I'm not ready, I will miss out.
The rewards I gain from my intense drive to make the most out of my time on this planet are all thanks to my grandmother. She set the perfect example, every single day. Thank you so much, Sunny.
