The Lessons My 102-Year-Old Aunt Taught Me About Time and Purpose

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting my aunt in Vancouver. She is 102 years old—a devoted Buddhist, a lifelong vegetarian, and an extraordinary woman who has defied physical limitations since a young age. Despite being physically handicapped, she became a renowned scholar and an influential spiritual teacher in her community.

Over the years, I’ve spoken to her on the phone every Sunday. Her mind remains sharp, and her breadth of worldly knowledge often leaves me in awe. She eagerly asks me for the latest international news, always staying curious and engaged with the world.

At first, I hesitated to make the long journey to see her in person. But after some reflection, I realized how precious this time was. She is still relatively healthy and still able to communicate, and I wanted her to feel my love and appreciation while she could. So, I organized a family trip, bringing along my wife, daughters, their husbands, my elder sister, and her family.

The moment she saw us all together, she was deeply touched. Despite her physical frailty, she welcomed us with laughter and joy, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Her high spirits and sense of humor made the visit unforgettable.

When it came time to say goodbye, I felt an overwhelming sense of emotion. She kept her composure, wished us well with a smile, and reminded me, as always, of her incredible strength of spirit.

Reflections on Time and Purpose

This visit taught me many valuable life lessons. The first is a simple yet profound truth: time is precious. I don’t know if I will ever see her again, and that thought has stayed with me. Life doesn’t give us guarantees, so when we feel the urge to do something meaningful—whether it’s visiting a loved one, pursuing a passion, or simply showing someone we care—we should act without delay. Regret often comes from what we didn’t do, rather than what we did.

The second lesson is about living a purposeful life. My aunt’s longevity is not just a result of her lifestyle but also her unwavering sense of purpose. She spent her life studying Buddhism, teaching, and inspiring others. Even at 99 years old, she was giving seminars to large audiences. She only stopped a couple of years ago.

Her daily habits are a testament to her disciplined and purposeful mindset: reading, staying informed, journaling every morning, and maintaining a connection to her community. She has shown me that living with intention and focus is what sustains us, even in the face of physical challenges or the passage of time.

What This Means for Me—and You

My visit made me reassess my own priorities. How much time do I dedicate to what truly matters—my family, my passions, and my purpose? Am I spending too much energy on superficial pursuits, rather than things of lasting value?

I believe this is a question we all need to ask ourselves. Life is short, and it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of day-to-day life, only to realize too late that our time could have been better spent.

So here’s my takeaway: don’t wait.

Don’t wait to spend time with loved ones.

Don’t wait to pursue what fills your heart with meaning.

Don’t wait to live the life you truly want, because time has a way of slipping through our fingers.

Closing Thought

As I reflect on my aunt’s incredible life, I am reminded that a life well-lived is not measured by wealth or accolades but by the love we give, the purpose we pursue, and the impact we have on others.

What about you? Are you spending your time on what truly matters? I would love to hear your thoughts and reflections in the comments. Let us inspire one another to live with purpose and intention.