Eliza Hartley
Aging gracefully isn’t just about the fine lines and wrinkles. It’s about finding inner peace, embracing change, and shedding behaviors that no longer serve you.
Let’s get personal for a moment. I’ve learned that as I age, there are certain habits I’ve had to bid adieu to.
The key here is self-awareness. Recognizing the behaviors that hinder your tranquility is the first step towards a more peaceful existence.
In this piece, I’m going to share seven behaviors you might want to wave goodbye to if tranquility in aging is your goal. Buckle up, it’s time for some self-reflection.
1) Overthinking
As we age, our experiences often lead us to overanalyze and overthink. It’s like we’re trying to solve a puzzle with too many pieces.
Allow me to be frank. Overthinking leads to stress, not solutions. It’s a behavior that creates turmoil instead of tranquility.
Think about it. How many times have you found yourself stuck in a loop of what-ifs and worst-case scenarios?
The thing is, life is unpredictable. And no amount of overthinking can change that fact.
So, if you’re seeking peace as you age, it’s time to cut down on overthinking. It’s easier said than done, I know. But remember, the goal here is personal growth.
And growth is seldom comfortable but always worth it. So, let’s start by acknowledging this habit and then work towards letting it go. It’s all about taking baby steps towards a more peaceful existence.
2) Comparing myself with others
It’s no secret we live in a world of constant comparison. Social media is a constant barrage of people’s best moments, and it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind.
I’ll share a personal anecdote. A couple of years back, I found myself in a constant state of unease. I was always comparing my life with others’, wondering why I wasn’t as successful, or why I didn’t have what they had.
One day, I realized this comparison game was robbing me of my peace. It was a negative behavior that had snuck its way into my daily routine.
So, I made a conscious decision to stop comparing myself with others. Instead, I decided to focus on my own journey, celebrate my own victories, however small they may be.
And you know what? It was liberating. Once I stopped comparing, I started appreciating. And this brought an immense sense of peace and contentment.
If you’re in the habit of comparing yourself with others, consider letting it go. Trust me; your future self will thank you for it.
3) Holding on to grudges
Holding onto grudges is like carrying a backpack filled with rocks on a long journey. The longer you hold on, the heavier it gets, and the more it slows you down.
Studies show that holding onto grudges or resentment can lead to prolonged stress and can impact mental health negatively.
This emotional baggage doesn’t just affect your peace of mind, but it also impacts your physical health.
So, if you’re carrying around some old grudges, it might be time to set them down. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning the behavior; it’s about letting go for your peace of mind.
Remember, aging peacefully isn’t just about the body; it’s about maintaining a healthy state of mind too. Letting go of grudges is one step towards achieving that goal.
4) Resisting change
Let’s face it, change is a part of life. As the saying goes, the only constant in life is change.
As we age, we often find ourselves resisting change. We want to stick to our routines, our known paths. We find comfort in the familiar.
But here’s the thing: resisting change only leads to stress and discontentment. By trying to hold onto what was, we close ourselves off to new experiences and opportunities.
Adapting to change, on the other hand, can bring about growth and inner peace. It allows us to learn, evolve, and broaden our horizons.
Are you looking for more peace in your life as you age? Try welcoming change instead of resisting it. You might just find that life has some beautiful surprises in store for you.
5) Seeking validation
There was a time when I used to base my self-worth on what others thought of me. The need for validation and approval felt like a constant, gnawing hunger. It was exhausting.
But then I realized something crucial: the only validation that truly matters is the one that comes from within. Constantly seeking approval from others is like trying to fill a bottomless pit. It’s never enough.
So, I made a conscious choice to start validating myself. To trust in my abilities, my decisions, and my worth. To stop looking outside for what I needed to find inside myself.
Letting go of the need for external validation and embracing self-love was a game-changer. It allowed me to find peace within myself and made my journey of aging a more fulfilling one.
If you find yourself constantly seeking validation from others, it might be time to turn inwards and start affirming your own worth. After all, you are enough, just as you are.
6) Neglecting self-care
As we grow older, we often put others’ needs before our own. We forget that to take care of others, we first need to take care of ourselves.
Neglecting self-care is a common behavior that can lead to stress, burnout, and a general sense of dissatisfaction. It’s like trying to run a marathon without taking the time to hydrate or rest.
Self-care is not selfish. It’s necessary. It’s about honoring your needs and recognizing that you deserve care and attention too.
It’s time to make self-care a priority. Whether it’s taking a walk, reading a book, or simply taking a moment to breathe and relax — do something every day that’s just for you.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. By taking care of yourself, you’re setting the foundation for a more peaceful journey as you age.
7) Living in the past
The past is a place of reference, not residence. Dwelling on past mistakes or missed opportunities can lead to regret and rob you of your present joy.
Living in the past prevents us from fully experiencing the present moment, the here and now. And let’s face it, the present is all we truly have.
If you find yourself constantly looking back, it might be time to shift your focus forward. Embrace the lessons learned from the past, but don’t let them tether you.
Remember, each day is a new opportunity to write our story. By letting go of living in the past, you open yourself up to new experiences and greater peace as you age.
Embrace the transformation
The beauty of human existence is that we’re ever-evolving. Every phase of life brings its unique challenges and triumphs, and aging is no exception.
As we journey through life, our perspectives and priorities shift. We learn, we grow, we let go. And in this process, we find peace within ourselves.
The Dalai Lama once said, “Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend – or a meaningful day.”
This quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of aging. Each passing day is an opportunity to let go of behaviors that no longer serve us and embrace those that bring peace and contentment.
As you bid adieu to these seven behaviors, remember that the journey towards inner peace is ongoing and unique to each individual. It’s about finding a balance that works for you.
So, as you age, embrace this transformation. Let it be a journey towards a more peaceful you. After all, aging isn’t just about growing old; it’s about growing whole.
