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The Mel Robbins PodcastWhat Are You Doing With Your Life? An 89 Year Old’s Best Advice for You
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At a glance
WHAT IT’S REALLY ABOUT
An 89-year-old’s reminder: stop waiting and start new chapters
- Judie, Mel’s 89-year-old mother-in-law, shares her impulse to “drop everything” and live in Europe for a year with her partner as she approaches 90.
- She explains that witnessing aging, decline, and sudden loss around her has intensified her belief that there’s no reason to postpone meaningful experiences or conversations.
- Mel highlights that even a privileged, comfortable routine can become stale, and that boredom can be a valid cue that it’s time to start a new chapter.
- They discuss how people use excuses—time, obligations, even money meant for children—to delay change, and why that mindset can keep life small.
- Judie emphasizes staying interesting by staying interested, pushing for new experiences rather than focusing conversations on aches, pains, or the distant past.
IDEAS WORTH REMEMBERING
5 ideas“Don’t wait” is the core principle driving her decision.
Judie says there’s no guarantee of tomorrow, and shares how a friend’s sudden death reinforced her belief that you shouldn’t delay love, plans, or experiences.
A “good life” can still become too routine—and that’s a signal to change.
Judie explains she’s tired of repeating the same seasonal routines (club dinners, bridge, golf) and wants something different as she enters what she calls the last stage of her life.
Big reinvention can be practical and flexible, even at 89.
Judie proposes that she and her partner John rent out their homes and go live in Europe for a year, adjusting to their different styles (she’d carry a backpack; he’d prefer a suitcase).
Use your current capacity while you have it.
Judie notes that being healthy and mentally sharp at 89 makes her feel she should take advantage of the present moment while she can still do things physically.
Purpose isn’t a finish line—it’s something you keep practicing.
Judie says an idea from Mel’s Oprah episode pushed her to reflect on why she’s here; she identifies herself as a “connector” and an “inspiration,” and believes that means she must keep living in a way that stays inspiring.
WORDS WORTH SAVING
5 quotesI think the thing that people have to remember is that you have no guarantee that there's tomorrow. So mix things up now.
— Judie Robbins
It's funny because we're, we're, we're waiting for the right time, and yet time is the thing that's most precious. Time is not waiting for us.
— Mel Robbins
Now at my age I think about, I know this is sounds wild when, where is my memorial service gonna be? How many years do I have left?
— Judie Robbins
If you're not interested, you will not be interesting.
— Judie Robbins
Don't wait. That's all I have to say to all of you.
— Judie Robbins
SPEAKERS
Mel Robbins
hostHost of The Mel Robbins Podcast and author/speaker known for motivation and behavior-change tools.
Judie Robbins
guestMel Robbins’ mother-in-law and featured guest sharing late-life advice and her decision to live abroad at age 89/90.
High quality AI-generated summary created from speaker-labeled transcript.
