Six Secrets for a Well-Lived Life
“Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great Mystery into which we were born.” – Albert Einstein
Do you have a 10-year plan? What if you were over 100 years old – would you still have one? Gladys McGarey, MD, who is currently 103 years old, does! I came across a video of her discussing this on social media. She was promoting the release of her 2023 book, The Well-Lived Life: A 103-Year-Old Doctor’s Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age, and I knew I had to read it!
Dr. Gladys McGarey, a pioneer in holistic medicine, was born in 1920 to osteopathic physicians. She trained as a doctor during World War II and became the only female founding member of the American Holistic Medical Association in 1978. Today, she lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she continues to work as a consultant. Here are some insights and practical tips from her book:
Secret 1: You Are Here for a Reason
Every person has a unique purpose and set of gifts that activate our desire to be alive. Dr. McGarey calls this the "juice" of life, a creative energy that fills our days with purpose and meaning.
Practical Tips:
Reflect on Your Passion: Take time each day to think about what brings you joy and fulfillment. What activities make you lose track of time? These are likely connected to your life’s purpose.
Set Small Goals: Identify a small goal that aligns with your passion and take daily steps to achieve it. Celebrate your progress along the way.
Volunteer: Engage in volunteer work that resonates with your values. Helping others can boost your sense of purpose and well-being.
Secret 2: All Life Needs to Move
Movement is essential to life, health, and well-being. Embracing change and flowing with life's natural rhythm prevents stagnation and promotes joy.
Practical Tips:
Daily Movement: Incorporate some form of movement into your daily routine, whether it's walking, yoga, or dancing. Focus on the joy movement brings.
Deep Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises to relieve stress and promote relaxation. This can help release stagnant energy.
Forgiveness Exercise: Let go of past grievances by practicing forgiveness. Write down any lingering feelings and consciously release them.
Secret 3: Love is the Most Powerful Medicine
Love is the greatest transformative force. When we choose love over fear, we activate our life force and improve our physical and emotional health.
Practical Tips:
Self-Love Practice: Spend time each day appreciating your own strengths and unique qualities. Write a list of affirmations and repeat them to yourself.
Acts of Kindness: Perform random acts of kindness, such as writing a heartfelt note or helping a stranger. These acts strengthen connections and spread love.
Mindful Communication: Listen actively and speak kindly in your interactions. This creates a loving environment and enhances relationships.
Secret 4: You Are Never Truly Alone
We are all interconnected, part of a larger community that nurtures our individual life force. Building relationships and setting boundaries are crucial to maintaining balance.
Practical Tips:
Community Involvement: Join local groups or online communities that align with your interests. Share experiences and support one another.
Boundary Setting: Identify what energizes you and what drains you. Set clear boundaries to protect your energy and focus on positive influences.
Reach Out: Make a list of people who have crossed your path recently. Consider how you might connect or reconnect and take action to nurture those relationships.
Secret 5: Everything is Your Teacher
Life is full of lessons, even in the most challenging moments. Embracing these lessons allows us to grow and transform our perspective.
Practical Tips:
Journaling: Reflect on daily experiences and write down any lessons learned. This practice fosters gratitude and self-awareness.
Dream Analysis: Pay attention to your dreams and consider their meanings. They may provide guidance on your life path and purpose.
Lesson-Seeking Mindset: Approach obstacles with curiosity rather than frustration. Ask yourself, "What can I learn from this situation?"
Secret 6: Spend Your Energy Wildly
Life is energy, and how we choose to spend it shapes our reality. By consciously directing energy toward what we love, we create a fulfilling life.
Practical Tips:
Energy Audit: Evaluate how you spend your time and energy. Identify activities that drain you and those that replenish you.
Intentional Rest: Prioritize rest as a form of self-care. Allow yourself to recharge without guilt, recognizing rest as a vital component of productivity.
10-Year Plan: Create a 10-year plan outlining your dreams and goals. This long-term vision will guide your daily actions and keep your life force activated.
Conclusion
Dr. McGarey hopes that if you take one thing from her book, it’s that “you are absolutely capable of directing your own health and healing as well as your own life and learning.” Embrace these six secrets and enjoy your unique journey and well-lived life.