Like a Garden Hoe That Never Rusts

19 June 2026

I recently came across a book written by a Japanese woman who is already 102 years old.

The book is about her daily life. It is not focused on health or how to live longer, but rather on her mindset and the way she approaches each day.

I found it deeply inspiring to see someone over 100 still living independently—healthy, active, and content. Her “secret,” as she shares, is simple: enjoy daily routines and appreciate each small moment.

At the beginning of the book, she introduces eight habits that she has consistently practiced and enjoyed over the years. The first is folding away her quilt and making her bed every morning after waking up. She stores the quilt in a cabinet in the corridor, and she takes pleasure in this small ritual, even viewing it as a form of gentle exercise. Most importantly, she feels grateful that she can still wake up and carry out this simple task. To her, that is true happiness.

I find this idea very true—that each day feels like the beginning of a new life. Folding away the blankets gives us a sense of readiness, as if we are preparing ourselves with a clear and organized mind.

Beyond this, the lady enjoys a variety of simple pleasures—different foods, gardening, puzzles, daily stretching, and remembering her late husband by offering him a small cup of Japanese wine. She never feels lonely. The richness of her inner world seems to grow alongside her age.

We cannot avoid getting older, but along the way, we can cultivate this kind of richness within ourselves—so that we may experience genuine happiness.

As she beautifully puts it: “I want to be a rust-resistant garden hoe.”  

To live well is to appreciate the small things, enjoy them fully, and continue doing them every day.