"Puedes vivir hasta los cien años si renuncias a todas las cosas que te hacen querer vivir hasta los cien años"

If you think about it, the essence of this quote is a witty observation about balance and enjoyment in life. It’s pointing out a paradox: striving for longevity by avoiding all of life's pleasures might actually strip life of its joy. What's the point of living a long life if that life is deprived of the things that make it fun and fulfilling?

Imagine this: someone who religiously avoids all the "bad" things—never indulging in a decadent dessert, skipping out on the occasional wild night out with friends, or avoiding any activity that might carry a hint of risk. Sure, they might have a pristine bill of health, but their life could end up feeling quite empty and monotonous. They could end up reaching an old age but without having truly lived.

Historically, this idea pops up in various cultures and philosophies. The ancient Greeks were big on the concept of "moderation in all things." It's not about completely giving up the pleasures but enjoying them in balance. In more recent times, it's like advice you might get from a cool grandparent who’s seen it all and knows that a little indulgence here and there is part of what makes life worth living.

Let me tell you about my friend, Sarah. She’s a health nut—runs marathons, eats kale like it’s candy, and meditates daily. A couple of years ago, she decided to cut out all sugar, alcohol, and anything she deemed unhealthy. Initially, she felt great physically but slowly started feeling isolated. Social gatherings became a challenge because she was always the one saying "no" to the birthday cake or the glass of wine. One day, she realized that while she was incredibly healthy, she was also kind of miserable. So, she decided to reintroduce small pleasures into her life—a slice of cake at a friend's party, a glass of wine on a Friday night. She found herself much happier and still in great health because she enjoyed these things in moderation.

So, what can you take away from this? Don't throw out all the fun stuff in your life just to stay healthy. Sure, eat your veggies and exercise, but also let yourself have that chocolate cake or that lazy Sunday morning in bed. Life is about finding that sweet spot where you’re healthy and happy. Too much of anything—even if it’s good for you—can tip the balance.

Picture this: You're at a family barbecue. There's laughter, music, the mouth-watering smell of grilling meat (or veggies if that's your thing). You’re trying to stick to a strict diet, so you avoid the burgers, the beers, the ice cream. Everyone else is having a blast. You, on the other hand, are feeling left out and a bit grumpy. Maybe you don’t have to overindulge, but having a bite and a sip here and there won’t hurt. It might just make the day a whole lot more enjoyable.

In the end, it's about making the journey enjoyable, not just aiming for the destination. Live a little, laugh a lot, and don’t be afraid to indulge in the things that make life sweet. After all, the goal is to live a life that's long and worth living.