The meaning of life….

I’ve been thinking about this because we’re on our way back to my partner’s hometown in Pennsylvania, the US to celebrate his Gran’s 100th birthday! What a milestone – we’re so excited to be able to share it with her.

At different times in life many people think that physical things can make us happy – a new car, a show home, great clothes, expensive dinners, and big holidays. While these things do make us happy for a while, the afterglow wears off too soon, and we’re thinking about the next thing to conquer or the next thing to get. Often making our lives complex, busy, and difficult as we try to achieve and afford these things.

The other thing is that we often carry around hurt and negativity, needing to heal but not doing anything about it – we don’t do the work to allow a better flow of life for ourselves and others.

So what’s been the secret to this centenarian’s longevity? She doesn’t drink or smoke, she eats a balanced diet, and she had a long and loving relationship with her husband. She has lived close to her family, had her own children, and now has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She has lived relatively independently in her own apartment for many years.

For Leona’s birthday, there’s been a family-shared album set up, and there are so many photos of her and the family. It struck me that she’s not the stoic type that doesn’t smile and doesn’t show affection – quite the opposite. She laughs easily, loves a good joke, and enjoys a bit of teasing and fun. I think part of Leona’s gift is the ability to give and receive love so easily and in a welcoming way – so it just keeps flowing.

It seems like when you’re 100, the things that make you happy are having your family close, maintaining good health, and enjoying the simple things in life – not the things you have bought or your career achievements.

The thing I do know is that sometimes we should all enjoy the little things in our day that bring us pleasure and joy.  And, be there for the people that matter to us, love them and let them love us back.