Recently, I spent some quality time with someone who has experienced nearly a century of front-row living—my 90-year-old mother. I asked her to share some reflections from her life, and wow… if you ever have the opportunity to sit down with someone in their 90s, do it. Ask them about what they’ve learned, what they regret, what they celebrate, and what they’d do differently. The answers might surprise and inspire you.
Here are the four golden nuggets she shared with me—her front-row life lessons that are worth passing along:
2. Never Settle In relationships, in your standards, in the little things. Never settle for an average experience when a better one may just be a question away. My mom said, “Why not ask for a better table at a restaurant? Why not ask for an upgrade at a hotel? It never hurts to ask.” She clearly passed that mindset down to me—never settle for the balcony when the front-row is waiting for you.
3. Let Go of Regret She didn’t say “never make mistakes.” She said, “have no regrets.” We all have moments we wish we could do over. But her advice? Turn them into lessons, not anchors. One of the best ways to move forward from past regrets is to set your eyes on the future. Give yourself something exciting to look forward to so your mind is focused on what’s next, not what’s gone.
4. Never Drink Cheap Wine No explanation needed, right? Life is too short. Pour the good stuff.
My mother raised seven children with my dad while running her own business and traveling the world. She’s lived a full, vibrant, courageous life so far—and I am grateful I got to sit and absorb her wisdom.
So, here’s your Front-Row Friday invitation:
• Surround yourself with brilliance.
• Refuse to settle.
• Release the regrets.
• And sip something worth savoring.
Cheers to living your best life from the front-row.
Your Head Usher,
Marilyn
