Hook ‘Em In!
Written by Kathryn Savage
What does it mean to be likable? Is it being a good listener? Throwing a lot of parties? Is it to holding the door open for a stranger? Is it remembering to send birthday cards on time? 
101-year-old Elizabeth Goodyear knows a thing or two about being likable, but she couldn’t tell you what it is. Elizabeth Goodyear has a slew of friends. A New Yorker, bound to her apartment, she can no longer see, but she keeps busy gabbing away with a host of people who come to read to her, and spend the afternoon in her good company.
The New York Times recently ran a story on Elizabeth Goodyear, that was so good, and heartwarming, I wanted to include highlights of it on Blue Zones.
Elizabeth Goodyear underscores a concept true for many centenarian living in the regions of the world called Blue Zones - the importance of finding peace, and joy, in the everyday--and being happy and likable.
In her younger years, she studied dance with Martha Graham, and drank with Duke Ellington. She even participated in a game show. Interviewed by the New York Times, Ms. Goodyear explains: “I think I only remember the amusing things; I don’t remember any depressing things...I think I just put them out of my mind. I know everybody has things that they want to forget, but I don’t even have to forget. I just don’t remember.”
So now, Ms. Goodyear shares her good memories with a slew of new friends, thanks to her neighbor, Alison West, a yoga instructor who lives in the same Midtown Manhattan apartment building as Ms. Goodyear, and took a special interest in the old woman several years ago. Ms. Goodyear was an avid reader, until she went blind about four years ago. That's when Ms, West started stopping by to visit with her, and read to her. Ms. West eventually posting an ad at the yoga studio where she works, inviting others to come read to Ms. Goodyear as well. Her ad explained:
“Liz has no family at all, and all her old friends have died, but she remains eternally positive and cheerful and loves to have people come by to read to her or talk about life, politics, travel — or anything else...She also loves good chocolate!”
Strangers can form communities, books can unite, but the most important lesson here, is that taking an interest in someone else, someone spirited, and positive, can nurture you, in return. Want to make more friends? Be likable. You don't have to forget your past, but you don't need to focus on the negative. Volunteer. Reach out in your community, there's a whole world out there, explore it!
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What is 'Belong'?
