Lessons from a Legend

I just had the good fortune of returning from a week at Rancho La Puerta*, a renowned fitness and health resort on the southern border of San Diego. I am blessed with the privilege of speaking there twice a year, offering a variety of workshops on health and longevity. What made this trip extra special, however, was the chance to have dinner with the founder Deborah Szekely. Deborah invited the presenters for the week to join her for dinner and conversation. While I have seen her numerous times over the course of many years, I was struck by her vibrancy and presence, even at the age of 102. She exudes calm, well-being and peace.

After our group dinner I reflected on her journey and her remarkable energy. She is still working at 102, with joy and purpose. With the help of her daughter she still runs the resort and shows up to work three days a week.

She meets with the guests every Wednesday night to say hello and share her wisdom. She is often asked how she stays so healthy and what her secrets are to maintaining such energy. I realize she has lived the principles that the “ranch” represents and offers to all of its guests. Eat organic foods, breathe clean air, surround yourself with beauty, stay active and move (until recently she maintained a steady practice of Pilates), be grateful, and always have a sense of purpose. The resort promotes vibrant health and Deborah models it.

Other pearls of wisdom include finding a community, surrounding yourself with friends and discovering what makes you happy. In a recent newspaper article she was quoted as saying “Don’t run out of dreams. Keep your dreams flowing.”

It is clear that Deborah has not run out of dreams, may she be a beautiful reminder to all of us how to make the most out of the gift of each day.

*For more information, visit www.rancholapuerta.com