In the episode above, I’m sharing something truly unique and deeply inspiring. I hope you listen.

I had the honor of meeting a beautiful woman who is 100 years old, nearly 101. Our conversation was filled with so many important lessons that I felt compelled to share them with all of you.

As a nurse, I’ve met many people in their later years. You can ask them about their secrets to living so long, but not everyone is able to answer due to various health challenges. But Fern, with her clarity and graciousness, shared her insights in a way that I knew had to be heard.

Her words aren’t just valuable because she’s reached 100 years of life. They are precious because they come from someone who has lived through tumultuous times in history. From World War II to the many wars and global changes that followed, Fern has seen it all. And through it all, she’s maintained a positive outlook, unwavering faith, and a deep sense of purpose.

I’m excited for you to hear her voice and to witness her wisdom, which feels all the more powerful coming from someone who has lived through so much.

The Secret to Living Well

In our conversation, I asked Fern what the secret was to living a long, healthy life. She didn’t hesitate with her response:

“You live a good life. Keep your mind clean. Think positive thoughts. And when you want to try something, try it. If it doesn’t work out, forget about it. That’s the way my life has been for the hundred years.”

She continued, “If you want to have a healthy mind, you think healthy. You don’t go chasing after this and that. You have to do what your body tells you you can do. You have to listen to your body.”

In those simple words, Fern gave us a roadmap for how to navigate life with grace and balance. It’s easy to forget that our thoughts and how we listen to our bodies play a crucial role in our well-being. The very act of listening, truly listening, to ourselves is foundational to health.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Fern also reflected on how she has focused more on the positive than the negative throughout her life. It wasn’t a forced practice, it came naturally, especially because of the way she was raised.

“My parents were like that,” she shared. “They taught me how to focus on the good, to help others, and to always have positive thoughts.”

This is a powerful message: positivity isn’t something that comes from a place of perfection, but from intentionality. It’s about choosing where to focus your attention, even when life feels overwhelming.

A Life of Faith and Trust

Throughout the conversation, Fern spoke deeply of her faith in God. This trust has been a guiding force in her life, especially through the darkest of times.

“If I think, ‘Lord, I don’t know if I can make it tomorrow,’ the Lord says, ‘You’ll make it,’” she explained. “I know He hears me, and He helps me through everything.”

This unwavering faith is a cornerstone of Fern’s strength. It’s not just about religious belief, it’s about trust, surrender, and the willingness to let go. Life can be heavy, and sometimes we need to release control in order to move forward with peace.

Listening to Your Body and Resting

Fern also taught me a powerful lesson about rest. She shared how, over the years, she’s learned to listen to her body when it needs a break. “If you keep going forward when you’re tired, you can’t do a good job,” she said. “It pays to listen to your body and take rest.”

This is something many of us struggle with, especially in a world that praises productivity. But Fern reminds us that the key to doing our best lies in honoring our need for rest.

Taking Care of What’s Important

Another takeaway from our conversation was the importance of taking care of the things we hold dear, whether that’s our health, our possessions, or our relationships. Fern shared a beautiful story about a special blanket she’s kept for years, a wedding gift from her parents. “I always took special care of it,” she said. “If you take good care of the things you have, you can have them for a long time.”

The Power of Helping Others

Even at 100, Fern continues to live a life of service, helping others in whatever way she can. When you help others, it takes you out of your own struggles. It can shift your perspective and helps you feel empowered.

This, too, is a crucial piece of the puzzle: when we focus on lifting others, we also lift ourselves. It’s a reminder that no matter how challenging life gets, we can always find a way to contribute and make a positive impact.

Choosing a Positive Path Forward

Fern’s perspective on life is one that I deeply admire. Despite living through wars, global changes, and personal challenges, she remains positive, grounded, and filled with faith. She has weathered the storms of life, not by ignoring the hardships, but by leaning into them with trust, rest, and positivity.

As you reflect on her wisdom, remember that no matter where you are in life, you can choose a positive path forward. It’s about listening to your body, feeding your mind with positive thoughts, resting when needed, and focusing on what you can give to others.

Fern’s life is a testament to the power of small, simple steps in maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit. And if we can carry even a fraction of her wisdom with us, we, too, can live a life of grace, resilience, and peace.

Let This Moment Change You

I hope you’ve been inspired by Fern’s words, as I have. Let moments like this shape who you are and how you approach life. The simple act of listening and absorbing wisdom can be the first step toward transforming your mindset.

If you’d like to hear more from Fern and other guests who share powerful insights, be sure to subscribe to the Living Inspired with Rachel Carta, RN podcast (on Apple and Spotify). Also, please share these episodes and leave a review. This truly helps spread the message of positivity and health. Together, we can continue on this journey toward living with more peace, purpose, and vitality.

Let’s continue curating the life we want, one positive thought at a time.

Lots of love,

Rachel

About Rachel Carta, RN

As a Functional Nutrition Counselor & Life Coach, I help women who are tired of feeling off, have low energy, digestive issues, brain fog, and/or mood swings. You can wake up with energy. You can feel good again in your body. You can reconnect to the vibrant, grounded you. You don't have to do this alone.

RachelCartaRN.com