By Marsha Ralls | CEO and Founder of The Phoenix Asheville
October 21, 2026
Published in The Phoenix Asheville Blog
Being in Costa Rica to speak at LAC Academy gave me an opportunity to reflect on something I care deeply about: how we build lives that allow us to thrive.
I value the opportunity to share ideas and contribute to conversations about growth. But whenever I travel, I also want to remain a student. Some of the most meaningful lessons come from conversations we could never have planned.
During this trip, we had the opportunity to hear from centenarians and supercentenarians, along with their families, about what they believe contributes to a long life. I also spent time with a gentleman who was 102 years old and asked him what he considered the secrets to living well and living a long life.
Four themes emerged: family and having someone to live for, faith, the sense of purpose and desire to live that these can nurture, and nutrition.
What struck me was how closely these ideas were tied to our relationship with life itself. Alongside caring for the body, there was an emphasis on having people we love, something we believe in, and reasons to keep engaging with the world.
Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is recognized as one of the world’s Blue Zones, regions known for the longevity of some of their residents. While the experiences of individual centenarians cannot explain longevity on their own, their reflections offer a meaningful starting point for considering what it means to live well.
Family gives us a reason to show up.
Having someone to live for speaks to the importance of connection. There is meaning in knowing that our presence matters, that someone looks forward to seeing us, hearing our voice, or sharing a meal. The relationships we nurture can give our days a sense of purpose and remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
Faith gives us something to turn toward.
Faith can provide a sense of grounding through uncertainty. Its expression differs from person to person, but for many, it offers a source of strength, perspective, and hope when life becomes difficult.
Together, connection and faith can help sustain our desire to live.
This was another important part of what we heard. Having people we love and something we believe in can help us navigate life’s challenges and give us reasons to look forward to what comes next.
We cannot eliminate stress or avoid every hardship. But we can pay attention to what we carry, where we might find greater peace, and what continues to bring meaning and possibility into our lives.
Nutrition is another essential part of caring for ourselves.
The food we eat is part of the daily care we give our bodies. It is a reminder that living well involves the choices we make consistently, including how we nourish ourselves and support our well-being over time.
As I approach my 65th birthday, I find myself thinking more about the quality of the years ahead. I want to continue learning, contributing, traveling, and enjoying the people I love.
Being in Costa Rica also gives me space to practice that intention through morning light, walking, meditation, and taking time to enjoy food and conversation. These simple experiences help me appreciate the day I am actually living.
At The Phoenix Asheville, we hope to create that same opportunity to pause and reconnect with what makes life meaningful.
I went to Costa Rica prepared to speak. One of the greatest gifts was the opportunity to listen. The reflections shared by these long-lived individuals and their families brought me back to a few essential questions:
Who do we live for?
What sustains us when life becomes difficult?
And how are we caring for the life we have today?
About Marsha Ralls
Marsha Ralls is an entrepreneur, transformational speaker, and founder of The Phoenix Asheville, a holistic retreat center in Asheville, North Carolina. She brings together neuroscience, mindfulness, HeartMath, wellness, and nature to create meaningful experiences that support sustainable personal and professional transformation.
With more than three decades of entrepreneurial and leadership experience, Marsha is passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and create lasting change. She is also the founder of Curator of Change, a nonprofit providing scholarships for transformational programs.
