The 5 L’s for Living a Long, Fulfilling Life: Wisdom from a 102-Year-Old Doctor
As I move through the emotional and logistical process of letting go of my Florida home, I’m surrounded by chaos—half-packed boxes, undone projects, and a growing to-do list with no end in sight. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of the moment and lose perspective. That’s why when I stumbled upon a short article featuring 102-year-old Dr. Gladys McGarey, I paused. Her words grounded me.
She’s not a household name, nor is she a flashy influencer. But her life experience and clarity of thought offered something rare in today’s noise: simple, powerful truths about how to live with purpose, joy, and resilience.
Dr. McGarey, often referred to as the mother of holistic medicine, has spent over a century exploring what it means to live well—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. In her book, The Well-Lived Life, she outlines six key principles. But it was her “Five L’s” framework that struck a deep chord.
And want to pass them on to you.
1. Life Itself
“Life is like a seed,” says Dr. McGarey. “It has all the energy of the universe within it.”
But like a seed, life must be activated. It needs intention, attention, and care. In a world driven by constant output, we often forget to nurture life itself. We wait for clarity to come from outside us when the truth is, it begins within.
To live fully is to notice life—not rush through it. Whether you’re in a season of transition, like me, or simply juggling daily responsibilities, take a moment to witness your life as it is. Acknowledge it. Activate it with awareness.
2. Love
“Love is the activating factor,” McGarey reminds us. It’s what cracks the shell of life and brings meaning to everything we do.
Love doesn’t have to be romantic or dramatic. It can show up in small ways: making someone a cup of tea, checking in on a friend, or treating yourself with kindness. When love is at the center, our actions take on purpose.
Without it, we can go through the motions but feel disconnected. Love is what roots us. It softens the hard edges of our days.
3. Laughter
“Laughter without love is cruel,” she says. “But laughter with love is joy.”
We all need to laugh more—especially during tough times. Not the kind of laughter that mocks or escapes, but the kind that connects. When we laugh with others, we bridge the gap between our struggles and our shared humanity.
Laughter, born from love, reminds us that even in pain, lightness exists.
4. Labor
“Labor without love is drudgery,” Dr. McGarey explains.But “labor with love is bliss.”
Think of the tasks you approach with joy—gardening, writing, painting, helping others. That’s the difference. When our work is aligned with our purpose, it energizes us. It’s no longer just “effort”—it becomes expression.
Even the most mundane chores can shift when done with care. It’s not what we do, but how we do it that determines whether we feel drained or fulfilled.
5. Listening
“Listening without love is empty sound,” she says. “Listening with love is understanding.”
This one hit home for me. In a world full of noise, truly listening—without preparing a response, without distraction—is a gift. When we listen with love, we see others more clearly and feel seen in return.
Deep listening creates connection, understanding, and belonging—the very things that make life rich.
A Final Reminder: Look for the Light
Dr. McGarey doesn’t sugarcoat life. “Just don’t get stuck,” she says.
And if you do? “Start looking for the light. It’s always there.”
Life will hand us losses, transitions, and setbacks. But when we lean into love, laughter, labor, and listening, we don’t stay stuck for long. We move forward with grace, knowing life is still full of possibility.
If you’re navigating a hard season or simply craving a more grounded, intentional life, consider these Five L’s as your compass. They’re not trendy hacks or empty platitudes. They’re timeless truths from someone who has lived them—for over a century.
You don’t need to change everything overnight. Just start with one L.
And then another.
And then watch life open back up again.
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