My grandmother is 103. It’s hard for me to even wrap my head around that number. She lived most of her life in a world completely different from what we know today. When I visit her I love bringing her special treats (not always healthy, I might add), and showing her pictures and videos on my iPad. I also tried teaching her how to text (not too successful, but it got her laughing) and how to take selfies. She loves taking selfies, and we do it every time I visit.
Nana has also taught me a lot over the years. I can think of a number of healthy habits that I really first learned from her.
Lemon water is one. Nana always had fresh lemons in her house, and made fresh lemonade all the time. There was always a pitcher in her fridge. Even back then, it was a little sweet for my taste, but something about the lemons really stuck with me, because I have started my day with fresh lemon water for years.
Another healthy habit…don’t rush through your meals. When I was a kid, I found it painful to wait for Nana to finish eating before we could have dessert. Now I know how beneficial it is to eat your meal slowly, taking time to chew your food and thoroughly enjoy it. It is better for your digestion, and gives your brain time to process the fact that you have had enough to eat. I can’t say I adhere to this 100%…I certainly have times when I still rush through meals because my day is so crazy, but I am trying to be more mindful when I eat.
Skincare…Nana always had beautiful skin. Even today, she really doesn’t look her age. She didn’t have a complicated routine. She always used simple, gentle products. I have spent a ridiculous amount of time and money trying to come up with the perfect skincare routine, and have finally discovered that simple really is better. Right now I am feeling awesome just washing my face with coconut oil at night, using witch hazel as a toner, and using a tiny amount of a skin friendly oil (argan or rosehip, usually) if I am dry. Since I will always be a skincare and makeup junkie, I will definitely be trying some new products and sharing them on this blog, but I have definitely learned that you don’t need an elaborate routine.
And in case all this simple, healthy stuff sounds boring, once more great lesson I learned from Nana…there’s nothing wrong with a treat now and then! Her treats were usually Breyer’s ice cream (tons of it in her freezer) and Tastykakes, along with the occasional Miller beer. My tastes run more towards dark chocolate and a nice glass of wine. Either way, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself!
I’d love to hear from you…anything good habits you’ve picked up from people older and wiser? Leave a comment by clicking on the link at the top of the post.
You two are so cute! And so many great reminders! My grandmother loved flowers and always had a vase of fresh flowers in her kitchen because they brought her a lot of joy. Flowers are something that make me really happy, too and you’ll always find fresh flowers (either picked myself or bought in the winter) on my kitchen table and on my nightstand like my grandmother did. It’s good for my soul!
Wow, Kelly, I love how you remember your grandmother by always having fresh flowers around. I’ve noticed in your pictures there are often flowers and now I know why!