I felt the need to do something that I enjoy outside of being a mom and a wife. Last year, I got back into reading—mostly self-help books. There’s something about finishing one that makes me feel like I’ve learned another little piece about how to navigate life better. It’s been good for me.

I finished a book a little while ago, and even though the title sounds simple, it hits surprisingly deep. It’s a read that reminded me to pause, breathe, and look at life differently.

Here are my book reflections and takeaways that stayed with me from “If You Live to 100, You Might As Well Be Happy” by Korean author Rhee Kun Hoo:

1. Happiness is a daily choice, not a destination. The book reminded me that joy is not something we find “someday”. It’s actually in the day-to-day, the routines, the relationships and those small moments we choose to appreciate NOW.

2. Let go of what weighs you down. Grudges, regrets, pride—those things take energy we don’t get back. The older we get, the more we realize how valuable peace really is. This is something I am actively working on.

3. Relationships matter more than achievements. Titles attached to our names or positions we hold are great but fade. We remember those who showed up, the laughs and the shared memories.

4. Simplicity is underrated. This book highlighted that living well is not about having more but enjoying what we already have. I started applying this and began to ask myself, “what do expensive things bring me?” Maybe a moment of happiness. Then just collect things that accumulate dust then what? I’ve either sold, donated or gave away a lot stuff. Felt really good to let go of unneeded things.

5. A grateful heart goes a long way. I learned to be thankful for blessings—big or small. Gratitude is one of the biggest predictors of a happier, healthier life—whether we live to 60 or 100.

This book felt like a soft nudge to live kinder, lighter, and more intentionally.

If you’ve been craving something reflective—but not heavy—this might be the perfect read.

If I ever make it to 100, I hope I can look back and say that I raised my daughter well—not perfectly, but with love, patience, and enough guidance to help her grow into a good human being. 

If you lived to 100, what’s one thing you’d want to say you did well?