The secret formula for a long life

You can find this secret formula in the speech I gave at the funeral ceremony.

MAJDI WINDOW

Today is a day of joy and gratitude for me. A day to celebrate life. Today we are indeed saying goodbye to our physical relationship with Majda, but there is something bigger. Her legacy is strong, and as you go home today, may her wisdom be remembered forever.

Aunt Majda, as I liked to call her in my childhood and still do today, gave me her formula for a long life:

“You know, Petra, every evening I take stock of the day. I thank God for everything good that happened today, and whatever I didn’t like or didn’t have time to do—I leave that for tomorrow, because tomorrow is a new day.“

It immediately became clear to me why she remained physically with us for 99 years. Through this ritual, she was sending God a message every single day—that she wished for another tomorrow and that she was grateful for everything life brought her.

This wisdom of hers now lives on with my clients—written on mirrors, walls, in journals—wherever it can remind them that gratitude is the most powerful “pill” for a long life on this planet. Ever since Majda shared her miracle formula with me, we gather every evening in our living room for a few minutes, and each of us shares three things we are grateful for that day. A priceless ritual.

From my childhood, I also remember Majda as always smiling—the kindest person to ever step across the threshold of my grandparents’ home. An incredible warmth, goodness, and love radiated from her.

Always—without exception—whenever I had the opportunity to be in her company, I knew that her outlook on life was positive, no matter which period of her life she was talking about. And make no mistake—her life was not always filled with sunshine.

One story, in particular, has stayed with me. After World War II, when Aunt Majda graduated with honors from the Ursuline Teachers’ High School, representatives of the new authorities—comrades in brown leather coats—stamped her diploma with a ban on teaching or pursuing any further education. A young woman full of ambition and a deep desire for learning and knowledge. She once told me, “I never taught,” and in that moment, I saw sadness in her eyes.

Dear Aunt Majda, I know your soul is here today, so I have a very special message for you. To me, you are an invaluable teacher. Through your example, you taught me that I can always keep my focus on what is good in life, and that through gratitude, my life can be long, filled with joy and peace. I promise you that I will continue to carry your wisdom into the world through my work—with joy.

I will repeat once again the invaluable wisdom that my Aunt Majda taught me:

“You know, Petra, every evening I take stock of the day. I thank God for everything good that happened today, and whatever I didn’t like or didn’t have time to do—I leave that for tomorrow, because tomorrow is a new day.“

May this wisdom give you momentum for daily gratitude—and also for gentleness toward yourself. I notice more and more how demanding we humans are toward ourselves. Louise Hay taught me to let go of the word “must” in my vocabulary. What truly matters to me and is my responsibility, I will certainly do today. Everything else can wait until tomorrow. And when I remember this, I know that tomorrow is already at the door—once again like a blank sheet of paper, waiting for my colors and my brushstrokes.

OTHER INGREDIENTS IN THE SECRET FORMULA

Healthy diet

In addition to gratitude, which held a very high place in her life, she took regular care of her health. She ate healthily and in small portions. I remember one visit to the nursing home when she humorously explained why we don’t need much food. She showed me her small fist and said: “Look how big our stomach really is—why would I eat more than that if I know I don’t need it?” She was absolutely right.

Regular exercise

She took regular care of physical activity. I often think of her persistence, which inspires me every day. During the pandemic, when movement was restricted and she could no longer go to church regularly, she walked up and down the stairwell of her apartment building. Her body was always in motion—another great investment in a long life.

Care for yourself and respect for all

Aunt Majda never bothered about what other people had to say, never complained or talked about people behind her back. If she disagreed with someone, her answer was always: “You're not in his shoes and you don't know why he's like this.” It is a wonderful value that I am learning every day, I fail many times, but I persevere.

YOUTH

And one more important thing: never assume that younger generations do not care about respecting their elders. My daughter Lili was fascinated by Aunt Majda’s energy and stories when we visited her for the last time at the nursing home. Just days before her physical departure, she said to me, “Mum, when are we going to visit Aunt Majda again?”My son Val also attended the final farewell with joy and gratitude.
That is why I not only feel, but also know, that future generations are on the right path.

As promised, I will continue to share Aunt Majda’s secret formula for a long life through my work, with all of you good people.

Special thanks to Aunt Majda’s family for allowing me to publish this speech and the photo from our visit at the nursing home—Aunt Majda, my daughter Lili, and me.

You can read more about my work here.