Lessons from Martha
A few weeks ago, I was able to attend a live event—a book release—for Martha Stewart and her 100th cookbook! Imagine having written 100 books. I cannot even begin to fathom the number of hours, the focus, and the sheer determination that goes into building such an extraordinary body of work.
This event was striking to me for several reasons. First, the venue itself, a stunning theater, set the tone. You couldn’t help but feel special, surrounded by that grandeur. Second, the format of the event was a free-flowing conversation between Martha and a dear friend with an equally illustrious career. Their stories and infectious laughter set the tone for a warm and inspiring afternoon. And third—perhaps the most powerful for me—I was witnessing women in their 80s who have absolutely no intention of slowing down! Martha spoke very matter-of-factly about her current projects: the new books she’s writing, a Netflix series in progress, her adventures, and her ambitious plans. To her, this was not extraordinary; it was normal. What a concept! The energy she radiated was infectious, and I sat there soaking in every word of this incredible experience.
It made me pause. I’ve never been someone who envisions the later years as a time to slow down. In fact, as I age, I feel more driven to engage deeply with life, to create, and to contribute. We have a finite amount of time on this earth, and no one knows how much of it they’ll get. For me, that realization is a call to action—to live intentionally. People often tell me to rest more, to slow down. I hear their concerns; however, I can’t help but think: Why? Every moment matters, and I want to spend mine pursuing what excites and fulfills me. Seeing women like Martha, thriving in their 80s, reaffirms that mindset. It reminds me I’m on the right path, that ambition and creativity aren’t limited by age.
One of the things I admire most about Martha Stewart is her unapologetically high standards. Yes, this can lead to misunderstandings, but the results of her vision speak for themselves. Watching her documentary and hearing her acknowledge how those high standards shape her life gave me a deeper appreciation for her. It’s a delicate balance to navigate life with such precision and grace, even in the face of challenges. But those standards are part of what has made her an enduring figure—a brand, yes, but also an individual who has reinvented herself time and again without compromising her values.
Living with high standards is a principle I also hold close. It’s not about perfection; it’s about honoring the things that matter to me by giving them my best effort. Whether it’s my work, my home, or my relationships, I strive to approach everything with care and intention. That might mean investing extra time in something or expecting a bit more from myself and others. It’s not always easy, and like Martha, I know it can be polarizing. But when you see the results—when you create something beautiful, meaningful, or impactful—it makes every moment of effort worthwhile.
On a very personal note, I realized, sitting in this gorgeous theater, that Martha made it okay for me to be the girl who liked to make cookies, grow my own food, create a garden, farm, host a party, build a business—all while getting dirty and living with very high standards for what I was doing. She inspired me to do more, be more, and make it beautiful while I was doing it. I am incredibly grateful to her for showing those of us who are committed that it is not only possible to do this—you actually can do it.
Martha’s legacy is a testament to this. Her creativity, resilience, and discipline are an inspiration, not just in the culinary or lifestyle spaces but as a broader philosophy of life. Seeing her live was a moment I’ll always treasure, and it continues to motivate me to keep reaching higher, to dream bigger, and to pursue excellence in everything I do.
And if you’re wondering about her cookbook? It’s fabulous, of course. A perfect example of what happens when passion meets precision—a lesson I’m carrying with me every day.
