I recently ran across an account of a marvelous Frenchwoman named Jeanne Louise Calment (who was born in 1875) and I just have to share some of the wit and wisdom Jeanne wrote about herself at age 120, which she called “The Rules of Life” (she passed away at 122). I would have loved to have met this feisty woman … I have a feeling we would’ve been great friends. Jeanne took up fencing at age 85 and was still riding her bicycle at 100.
“I think I will die of laughter.”
“I’ve only got one wrinkle, and I’m sitting on it.”
“I never wear mascara; I laugh till I cry often.”
“If you can’t change something, don’t worry about it.”
“I see badly, I hear badly, and I feel bad, but everything’s fine.”
“I took pleasure when I could. I acted clearly and morally and without regret.”
“Being young is a state of mind, it doesn’t depend on one’s body. I’m actually still a young girl, it’s just that I haven’t looked so good for the past 70 years.”
“Always keep your smile. That’s how I explain my long life.”
Wow – I’m surprised she didn’t say anything about chocolate! But hey, my hat’s off to Madame Calment! So tell me, dearest BFF (Blessed Friends Forever), will you share one (or more) of your Rules of Life with us?
Marianne says
I loved Jeannie’s “Rules of Life”!! Thanks for sharing them with us. I am sure my children will put the following on my tombstone:
“All things in moderation” and “Life’s not fair”.
They grew up hearing me say them all the time!
Thanks again, Debbie, for your words of encouragement! They always lighten my day!
debora13 says
I’ve heard you say, “All things in moderation,” but I can picture Sam saying, “Life’s not fair!” Love you, Marianne!
Bobbi says
Hi Debora, love your column. I googled Jeanne Louise Calment to read more about her and found that she lived on a diet of two pounds of Chocolate a week and an occasional glass of Port Wine. And there you have it!!
May God Bless your Day!!!!!!
debora13 says
You said it, Bobbi. Amen and amen! With the amount of chocolate I consume, I’ll live to be 150 unless a bus hits me first!