What 98 years of life teaches. Abuelita stories.

Do you ever feel like you could use a little Latin grandma spirit in your life?

The kind that feels like a warm hug…

a long chat over coffee…

firm advice from a life well lived…

tight embraces and a shower of kisses—

all suddenly interrupted by spontaneous dancing and music.

Today, we dedicate this space to that spirit as we honor Erlinda Canizales.

And, today — on behalf of all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren — you can borrow ours.

Meet Abuelita Linda, my grandma, celebrating 98 years of heart, perspective, and wisdom.

Her advice reminds us of what truly matters in life:

“Life is about choosing yourself, and choosing love that chooses you back. Respect yourself and always respect others. Choose love. I chose your Abuelito Carlos, and it’s a choice I have never regretted. He gave everything he could to support and care for us.

Choos yourself. Choose love. Never go a day without dancing and music.”

Think of this as your chance to have a little Honduran Abuelita spirit in your day — to inspire, ground, and hold you.

Feliz cumpleaños, Abue.

And what did she want to dance on her 98th birthday? Her favorite song by @manaoficial Mariposa Traicionera

Her perspective, spirit, and love have carried me through many challenging moments in my life, and I treasure that deeply.

Recently, I’ve felt a strong pull toward the wisdom of our elders — seeking it out and rediscovering the gift within their stories.

My abue is also the inspiration behind a new story launching March 15. I’ll have the honor and pleasure of sitting down with an extraordinary 79-year-old woman to share more life, memories, and wisdom.

Our elders carry something precious: perspective.

And sometimes, the greatest gift we can give ourselves — and them — is simply to listen.

Stay tuned. Wisdom is coming, and you’re invited to adopt a little Abuelita along the way.

With a second line in my step wherever the rhythm carries me,

Karlita