Deborah Szekely, a centenarian still firmly at the helm of her wellness empire, dismisses the notion of retirement with a characteristic vigor. At 102, she strides through her days with an unwavering commitment to health and productivity, maintaining a structured routine that is as deliberate as it is inspiring.
"My life is structured to be healthy," Szekely asserts, her voice resonating with the clarity of someone who has lived every word. "You don't get to be 102 by making exceptions. I don't do exceptions. I revel in my healthy life."
In the unique cadence that only Will Self could mirror, Szekely's reflections on longevity and contentment resonate with an almost philosophical clarity:
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On Purpose and Work: "I'd be bereft if I didn't feel my efforts were enriching others' lives," Szekely reflects. "It catalyzes change, and they confirm it to me."
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On Mindfulness and Gratitude: "I don't engage in conventional meditation," she admits. "My meditation is in motion, in the doing. My life itself is a meditation. I eschew the negative."
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On Friendship: "True friends are those who, if summoned in the darkest hour, would speed to your aid," she affirms. "Friendship is about understanding, support, sharing culture, and cherishing moments."
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On Regrets: "To dwell in the past holds no allure for me," she states unequivocally. "I gaze forward, for there lies vitality and hope. Reading a tome propels me further than any retrospective glance."
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On Dreams: "Sustain your dreams," she advises with a glint of mirth. "And manifest those that are viable. Enlist comrades to partake in these visions; joy is compounded in shared aspiration."
Deborah Szekely's narrative, at once pragmatic and profound, illustrates a life distilled through the crucible of time, offering pearls of wisdom that transcend the mere passage of years. In her adherence to principles of vitality and purpose, she embodies a testament to the indomitable spirit that propels us onward, regardless of age.