10 Things We Let Go of As We Age

Have you found as you get older, you get crankier?

Wait, that’s just me? Never mind. Forget I said anything. I’m as cheery as I have always been.

But it does stand to reason that as we age, there are certain things that may have been important to us in our younger years that no longer seem so as much.

In this post, Partner in Fire takes us through a crowdsourced version of a list of these things we let go of as we head into our elder years.

Which ones resonate with you?

One of the most significant benefits of getting older is realizing what matters and what doesn’t. Some of the things we cared so much about as kids seem unimportant as we age, making us wonder why we ever even bothered in the first place.

While scrolling through my favorite sub on Reddit, R/AskReddit, I came across a fun question asking users to share things that got less and less important as they aged.

The answers can offer profound insight into what really matters and what we can let go of. Here are the top responses.

What Others Think

Why do we care so much about what others think, especially when we’re younger? Redditors in their 30s and beyond have learned to let go of pleasing others and focus on being true to themselves.

“I think the point doesn’t ring as true for kids/teens because social learning is such an integral part of that life stage,” said one user, offering insight as to why younger folks tend to care more about what others think. “It’s hard for them to internalize that most people aren’t looking at or thinking that hard about them because they themselves spend a lot of energy observing and thinking about others,” they added.

“Life’s short.” said another. “Wear a messy bun and leggings.”

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Stuff We Can’t Control

“Being concerned about things in the news that are beyond my control.” responded one user.

Their statement reminds us of the old saying, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can change, and wisdom to know the difference.”

We can’t live in constant anxiety about things we can’t control. Instead, focus on making your life better.

Competitive Gaming

“I used to be pretty hardcore. Now I just wanna go home and chill after a day of work.” said one user, adding that they don’t want to “be frustrated or sweat while video gaming.”

Another agreed, saying that giving up competitiveness allowed them to enjoy single-player video games for their story.

Gaming is a fantastic hobby that many folks try to turn into a side hustle via streaming platforms, but you don’t need to be crazy competitive to get viewers on Twitch or make a living gaming.

Read Next: 17 Ways To Make Money Gaming

My Birthday

Birthdays used to be the day per year set aside to celebrate yourself, but as we age, the idea because less exciting and more exhausting.

“It’s just a reminder that I’m getting older,” said one user of why they no longer want to celebrate.

Another said birthdays stopped being fun when they got too old for cool gifts. “Ohhh thanks for the socks! And the underwear! And the Walmart birthday cake that I had to pick up myself on the way home,” they exclaimed.

Being Cool

Young people are obsessed with being “cool,” but as we age, we realize it doesn’t matter.

“One of the most liberating things about getting older is you can just do your own thing without caring if it’s trendy or not.” said one user.

We agree. The key to living a life of fulfillment is finding your own path and doing what you love, regardless of what others think.

Possessions

“The older I get, the less important material possessions become to me,” responded one user.

As we age, we no longer care about having the newest style of shoes, the hottest purse, or the biggest release in gaming.

One user implied it’s a financial thing. It’s easier to say no to that trendy new toy when you’re forking out the dough to buy it. “People spend money like they want to work forever,” they said.  “I just want to work long enough to buy the things I NEED.”

Also See: 10 Things that are FAR More Expensive Than They Should Be!

Careers

Ah, to be young and full of career ambition. Many older Redditors realized that climbing the corporate ladder isn’t as important as it once seemed.

“As long as I earn enough to cover my bills and to splurge a little now and then, I’m happy,” said one, explaining why they no longer care about a prestigious career.

Family & Friends

One Redditor claimed to be far happier after removing family and friends from their lives. “I like being alone and don’t need the drama they make,” they admitted.

Others agreed but geared their responses toward toxic people. As we age, we realize that we get to choose who we hang out with and that we don’t need to maintain contact with toxic people, even if they are family.

“Cutting my sister out of my life was the best thing I ever did for myself and my kid,” responded one.

Weekend Activities

Young folks always want to be out and about on the weekend, whether to hit the hottest nightclub, catch the most recent release at the movies, or see a live band.

That stuff sounds exhausting as we get older, and many of us prefer quiet nights in.

“This weekend I hung out at home, baked a pie, made crochet lace, read about daikons, and drank hot chocolate. It was glorious,” offered one user.

Popular Reading: 101 Fun Things To Do With Friends

Dressing to Impress

The older we get, the more we value comfort over style. “I hate wearing heels so now I’m all about the flattest shoe I can wear. They still need to be stylish to my own taste, but I can’t stand being uncomfortable,” said one Redditor, explaining why they no longer care about the hottest new look.

Others decried old-school bosses who force employees to wear uncomfortable office attire such as suits, ties, heels, and pantyhose.

Getting Older isn’t All that Bad

Although many people fear aging, it isn’t all bad. It’s nice to let go of the worries of youth and focus on your happiness.

What do you think about Reddit’s responses to things that matter less as you age? Do you tend to agree or disagree with their assessments?

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