My year started out so healthily at a wonderful understated spa, Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, that I’ve been to nearly 30 times in my adult life. I met one of my very dearest friends there, and we’ve been close ever since, meeting at the spa (and elsewhere) whenever possible.
The founder of the spa back in 1940 is now 103 years of age. I believe that says everything one needs to know about the spa’s approach to health and longevity. Plus she’s still a dynamo and an inspiration to everyone she meets. No mental fog evident.
But the year we’ve all left behind, the year I lost my husband and partner of 33 years, had obviously taken a toll. The morning hikes were harder, my balance was off and I fell on the mountain twice, my mental fog quite apparent. Then my girlfriend and I returned to Los Angeles just in time for the disastrous fires which destroyed whole neighborhoods and left a pall over the entire city. Though the fire came dangerously close, my home and neighborhood were spared serious damage. I am extremely thankful.
I mayn’t have started a spa nor the spa movement, I may not be 103, but in honor of International Women’s Day, I did receive the most glowing and loving note from my husband’s caregiver who became part of our family. Though I don’t get to see her daily anymore, her thoughts blessed me with love and appreciation from a source I didn’t expect which only added to its meaning.
So despite a hard year of great loss, I’m still able to feel the love and count my blessings. And isn’t that one of the secrets to health and longevity? 103 here I come!