How to Live to Be 100 ✨
This past weekend, we had the honor of hosting a 100th birthday party at The Assembly. The party was for Olwen, who's father was the pastor at 449 14th St. for forty years and who first came into our lives a year ago when she wrote us the most magnificent letter. Since then, we've gotten to know Olwen and her family — they immigrated from Wales when she was a child and lived up the street; she got married here; her two children were baptized here as well. It's been an honor to connect the dots of history in The Assembly building and in the Mission with the women of their family.
As for Olwen? She's spunky, lively, energetic, and joyful — check her out joining our Make Mischief Wall of Fame in a total power pose. Lucky for us, one of Olwen's party favors was writing down and sharing her secrets to longevity. It's in the simple things. It's in your perspective. It's in gratitude and knowing what you can and can't control. It's about keeping your mind active, always.
Without further ado, how to create a live well lived according to Olwen:
Inherit good genes.
Be grateful for what you have. Make the best of it. Please, no self pity.
Always plan what you are going to do each day; nothing big, just plan.
Believe in something bigger than you: a faith, a cause, a calling, and give it your all.
Eat fresh food as often as possible.
Keep in touch with family and friends, whether near or far.
Old age doesn't mean you stop learning new things.
Puzzles are good for the brain, any kind. I like crosswords.
Laugh at yourself and with others.
Have plants and pets if you like — but not too many.
Be happy that you have been the recipient of preventative medicine.
Be around those younger than you are (usually not a problem).
TBH, we may be towing the line on the recommended number of plants... Frankly, getting older doesn't always feel positive. These days many of my texts with friends echo the same refrains — am I where I thought I would be? Can I be at peace with not looking or feeling the same as I did five or ten years ago? Am I "keeping up" with everyone around me? As always, it's a yes and a no. So today, I'm reminding myself to make the best of all of it. Thank you for being a part of it.
The biggest Happy Birthday to our first centenarian Assembly member! In the spirit of Olwen, take time to talk to each other and take care of yourself this week.
xx,
Molly
Permission Granted
…to prioritize your mental health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. While mental health is so much more than a month, taking the time to talk about these topics is critical. Instead of a link list this week, I'd love your input.
I'd like to compile the resources you use to keep mental health top of mind. What have you found most helpful? Is it a group you belong to, limiting time on certain apps, a practice or a study you've read? Is it other people talking openly and honestly about diagnoses? How did you find the therapist that works or the time in your schedule to make it happen? There are so many barriers to finding the best care and resources. I'm genuinely curious about how we can help each other make this conversation work.
Get in touch by replying here, finding us on Instagram, or sending an email to aloha@theassembly.com. I'd be sharing them here, along with the regular dose of links and recommendations, next week.