Eliza Hartley
There’s a profound difference between living your life and truly experiencing it, especially as we age.
This contrast often becomes clearer as we enter our 60s, a time when many of us are contemplating retirement and the next chapter of our lives.
If you want your 60s to be some of the best years of your life, there are certain behaviors you’ll need to bid farewell to.
These habits can hold us back from fully embracing the joy and fulfillment that this stage of life can offer.
Now, I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. Change rarely is. But as someone who has navigated this journey, I can assure you it’s worth it.
If you’re ready to welcome a new era of self-improvement and mindfulness, and make your 60s truly golden, keep reading.
1) Living in the past
We all have a past. It’s what has shaped us and brought us to where we are today. But there’s a significant difference between acknowledging our past and living in it.
As we enter our 60s, it can be tempting to look back on the ‘good old days,’ reminiscing about times gone by.
While it’s natural and healthy to reflect on our past, becoming stuck in it can prevent us from fully embracing the present moment.
In this stage of life, it’s crucial to bid goodbye to any lingering nostalgia that keeps us rooted in the past.
This doesn’t mean forgetting our memories or experiences. Instead, it’s about acknowledging them, learning from them, and then letting them go.
By doing this, we create a space for new experiences, opportunities, and growth – making our 60s some of the most enriching years of our life.
Mindfulness isn’t just about being present; it’s also about knowing when to let go of what holds us back.
And sometimes, that means saying goodbye to living in the past.
2) Neglecting self-care
One behavior that I’ve seen can significantly impact the quality of life in our 60s is neglecting self-care.
I remember a time when I was so engrossed in my work and family responsibilities that I barely had time for myself.
I was always on the run, trying to meet deadlines, attend meetings, and manage household chores. It was a non-stop cycle that left me feeling drained and exhausted.
As I entered my 60s, I realized that this lifestyle was not sustainable. I was physically tired, mentally drained, and emotionally unfulfilled. That’s when I decided to make a change.
I started dedicating specific time each day for self-care activities – whether it was reading a book, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness.
This shift made a world of difference in my overall health and well-being.
If you want your 60s to be some of the best years of your life, say goodbye to neglecting self-care.
Instead, embrace activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Trust me; it’s a game-changer!
3) Being swept away by automatic thoughts
We all have a constant stream of thoughts running through our minds.
While this is a natural part of being human, it can become problematic when we’re continuously swept away by these automatic thoughts without question.
In my 60s, I became more aware of the power of mindfulness in breaking this cycle.
By practicing mindfulness, we can learn to observe our thoughts without judgment and choose how we respond to them.
This can significantly improve our mental well-being and overall quality of life.
In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I delve deeper into this subject.
I share practical tips and techniques to cultivate a mindful awareness that can help us navigate our thoughts more effectively.
By saying goodbye to being swept away by automatic thoughts, we can foster a greater sense of peace, clarity, and control over our lives.
This simple shift can make our 60s truly transformative years.
4) Holding onto grudges
We all have been hurt by others at some point or another. It’s a part of life.
However, holding onto grudges can lead to resentment and bitterness, which can drain our mental and emotional energy.
In my 60s, I found a long-held grudge against a childhood friend weighing heavily on me. We had fallen out over a misunderstanding that wasn’t even significant in hindsight.
But the grudge had taken root and grown over time, becoming a huge burden.
I decided it was time to let go. It wasn’t easy, but I took steps towards forgiveness. It didn’t mean forgetting what happened, but rather releasing the hold it had on me.
The release was liberating. It freed up emotional energy that I could invest in more positive and fulfilling endeavors.
If you want your 60s to be some of the best years of your life, consider saying goodbye to any grudges you may be holding onto.
The freedom you’ll experience is truly transformative.
5) Chasing after happiness
This might sound counter-intuitive, but one of the behaviors to say goodbye to in your 60s is chasing after happiness.
Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be happy. The issue arises when we attach our happiness to specific outcomes or possessions.
We often fall into the trap of thinking, “I’ll be happy when I get that promotion,” or “I’ll be happy when I lose weight.”
But this mindset keeps us in a constant state of wanting, never truly allowing us to enjoy the present moment.
In our 60s, it’s time to flip this narrative. Instead of chasing happiness, let’s cultivate it within ourselves.
Happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a state of being that we can foster through gratitude, mindfulness and self-love.
Say goodbye to the chase and welcome genuine happiness that comes from within. Trust me; it’s a much more fulfilling journey.
6) Fear of change
Change is an inevitable part of life. Yet, many of us harbor a fear of it. We cling to the familiar and resist anything that threatens to disrupt our comfort zone.
This fear can rob us of new experiences and opportunities for growth.
Entering your 60s is a significant life change in itself. It’s a time where routines might shift, work might lessen or end, and new hobbies or pursuits might take center stage.
Embracing this change rather than fearing it can open doors to new adventures and learning experiences. It’s about adapting and flowing with life’s ebbs and flows.
If you want your 60s to be some of the best years of your life, say goodbye to the fear of change. Welcome it instead with an open mind and heart.
After all, life is a journey of constant evolution.
7) Neglecting relationships
In our pursuit of various goals and responsibilities, we often neglect the one thing that truly matters – our relationships.
Be it with family, friends, or even ourselves, nurturing these connections is crucial for a fulfilling life.
In your 60s, it’s time to prioritize these connections.
Spend quality time with loved ones, rekindle old friendships, and most importantly, cultivate a healthy relationship with yourself.
These connections can bring joy, support, and a sense of belonging like nothing else can.
They are the essence of a life well-lived.
Commit to nurturing your relationships. This investment of time and energy will pay dividends in happiness and fulfillment in your 60s and beyond.
Final thought: It’s all about awareness
When it comes to transforming your life in your 60s, it all boils down to awareness.
Awareness of the habits that no longer serve you and the courage to let them go.
This journey of self-improvement and mindfulness starts from within.
It’s about understanding your patterns, recognizing their impact, and making conscious choices to change.
In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I explore this concept in depth.
I share techniques and insights on how you can cultivate this mindfulness and use it as a powerful tool for transformation.
Your 60s can indeed be some of the best years of your life if you’re willing to say goodbye to these behaviors.
It’s a period of growth, discovery, and profound contentment that comes from truly living in the moment.
Take a step back, reflect on your behaviors, and make a conscious choice today. It’s never too late to transform your life and make your 60s truly golden.
