Annie Mae Belin, a 102-year old woman from Darlington, South Carolina, has gained national attention after saying that minding her own business is the secret to her long life.
“Trying to tend to my business. And leave other people’s business alone. Unless I have to get in it. Because I love to talk and I love people,” Belin told WPDE about the reason why she has lived 102 years.
That comment she stated during her birthday celebration has gone viral with people across the country talking about it. She said she didn’t expect the attention as she only said what her mother taught her since childhood.
“My mother always told us it takes six months to tend to your business. And six months to leave other people’s business alone. Then the year is gone,” she added.
She also said her faith in God is one of the keys to her long life. She noted that she would rather read the Bible to strengthen her faith than spread gossip. In fact, she said she finishes reading the whole Bible every year from Genesis to Revelations.
At her age, Belin continues enjoying her life. She even goes to the salon every two weeks with former Darlington Mayor Gloria Hines, her personal stylist for many years. She also tries to keep her skin glowing and beautiful.
“I have wrinkles sometimes, but I have a cream. I ordered that cream and I can put it on me. Like all of this and all of that. It takes it away,” she said.
Moreover, Belin believes she has been blessed, especially with the support of her loved ones. She starts and ends her day with a prayer of thanks.
“God is still blessing me. He still answers my prayer.”