A Long and Happy Life – the Secrets?
Meet George. He is a relative of mine (by marriage – his wife and my grandmother were cousins), and he is 101 years this week – 12 February 2015 to be exact.
He is my hero; my role model for living a healthy, adventurous and engaged life. A long and happy life; a successful life! I plan to enjoy sizzling health, vitality, relevance and wellbeing at +101 years too. Do you?
So what are the secrets to a long and happy life? What are the secrets to a successful life? Interestingly in many respects, George’s life mirrors the seven elements of my Mega/High Performance Coaching Framework (for life and business)… for a magical happening life.
1. Soulful Vitality
George oozes energy and enthusiasm for life at every moment. George has always taken care of his health, wellness and fitness. Even at 101 years he still exercises every day; he has always been a very keen power walker and sportsman – playing outdoor bowls until well into his 90s. George also eats healthily, maintains a good weight, and alcohol is not something that he partakes of in any major way – although he does like a wee dram from time to time. George has learnt the art of introspection over the years – something we could all benefit from. George is also a spiritual man, and he nurtures this aspect of his life. George is a giver in all aspects of life; he is a generous man. He also lives in a constant state of gratitude for all that he is and has. He counts his blessings every day. He sees the joy in life, constantly.
2. Seductive Clarity
George and his wife, Anne, had interlinked clarity on how they wanted their life to be. They had a wonderful life – they were the centre of each other’s worlds, and they knew what was important for them in their lives. Together and with their children, they travelled the world; they explored. George has always believed that travel is an important component of one’s ongoing education. Sadly, Anne passed away almost 30 years ago. In later life, George has found friendship with Mary, and together they have a wonderful, loving and adventurous life.
3. Sensational Mindset
George has always understood the importance of mindset and belief patterns. Like everyone else he has had many challenges and issues in life – relationships, death, business, money, health and more – but he has always bounced back; he’s always regained perspective and a zest for life – his life. I can’t remember a time in my life with George when he wasn’t the positive man that he remains today.
4. Steadfast Focus
George has been witness to many world and life changing events over his lifetime. He knows how life can change in a heartbeat, and he knows the importance of working hard to get ahead in life. He has always taken ownership of his life, and even today, he still does. He fully pays his way in life. George has worked for all he has gotten and achieved in life, as did Anne. They never gave up in business and in life, even when it was very tough. George now lives in what he calls ‘genteel poverty’. He has the financial resources to enjoy the lifestyle he wants for the rest of his life.
5. Skilful Excellence
George and Anne were business owners at various times in their working life, and they always aimed to be the very best they could be. George has always been a lover of lifetime learning, and continues to be widely read and knowledgeable about the world around him. He loves politics and to this day, has lots of opinions on the topic. George has always embraced the changing world in which he lives, and while at times he hasn’t always understood it, he has gone with the times, and therefore, remains alert, relevant, in touch and engaging.
6. Sincere Relationships
People have always been important in George’s world. He adores extended family, including my own. Even to my mother’s dying days, George was in regular contact with her, as they loved and respected each other, and had a wonderful relationship notwithstanding the distances (he in Scotland and she in New Zealand).
George loves to recount early and lifelong friendships with the many people he has met around the world as a result of both living overseas and travelling widely. George loves nothing more than stopping and chatting to people in the street, at a party or tea dance, and getting them talking. As a widower travelling alone, George often preferred to stay in hostels rather than hotels, as that meant he could meet loads of new people, often young people, something he has always enjoyed. Even now he continues to take an active interest in the young people in his life, and my family in particular.
Given his age, sadly many of George’s friends are no longer with us; they have passed on, but George still recounts wonderful times with those people, taking the beauty and sadness of life in his stride.
7. Self Expression
Self expression in life is critical to one’s wellbeing, and what that means is different for everyone. Self expression can be creative; it can be sporting; it can be verbal; it can be in writing. It is whatever a person needs to feel whole; to feel alive. George is a beacon of light and joy in this regard. He holds an engaged audience when talking; he travels the world; he has played sport; he has done most if not all the things that he wants to in his life. He got his 100 year birthday card from the Queen last year too. George is a contented man with a life of memories lovingly stored in his mind and soul.
So that’s a quick summary of what a long and happy life; a successful life; a magical happening life, is – according to George and in relation to my Mega/High Performance Coaching Framework.
My hat’s off to George, achieving a remarkable 101 years of age. Happy birthday dearest George, and I hope there are many more to come.
Could some guidance from me be helpful to you? If so, please arrange a free 30 mins Skype strategy meeting with me. Here’s my calendar to book a meeting. I’d love to support you in some way to gain ‘seductive clarity’ in any aspect of your business or life.
Other Inspirational Success Stories
Let’s Change Our World!
‘Luck of the Irish’ – Do You Have Have It?
Life & Success: What’s It All About?
Meet George
