Eliza Hartley
There’s a profound shift that often occurs as we enter our 60s and beyond. We start to seek more peace and tranquility in our lives.
More often than not, it’s not about embracing new habits, but rather discarding old ones that no longer serve us.
The key to achieving this sought-after peace lies in identifying these troublesome habits and bidding them a heartfelt goodbye.
In this article, I’ll share with you the 8 habits you need to let go of if you want to cultivate more peace in your 60s and onwards. Trust me, your future peaceful self will thank you for it.
1) Holding onto grudges
Peace and tranquility can be hard to find if you’re still harbouring past resentments and grudges.
Holding onto old grudges is like carrying a heavy backpack. It burdens you and prevents you from moving forward with grace and ease.
In your 60s and beyond, it’s time to let go of these emotional weights. Yes, it may seem difficult initially, especially if the grudge involves deep hurt or betrayal. But remember, letting go is more about your peace than about the other person’s actions.
When you release these grudges, you’re not saying what the person did was okay. Instead, you’re choosing your peace over your past.
So, if you’re aiming for more tranquility in your life, begin by letting go of past grudges. It’s a decision that will bring you one step closer to the peaceful life you aspire to lead in your golden years.
2) Neglecting self-care
I’ve always been one to put others before myself. Juggling a busy career, raising kids, and maintaining a household left little time for self-care. I used to think that taking time for myself was selfish.
But as I journeyed into my 60s, I realized how wrong I was. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
I started prioritizing my needs – eating healthier, exercising regularly, and taking time each day to relax and do things I love. The difference was remarkable. I felt more peaceful and content.
Self-care is a luxury you can’t afford – you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritize your wellbeing, and you’ll find the peace you’re seeking in your 60s and beyond.
3) Overcommitting
As we get older, we often feel the need to stay as active and busy as we were in our younger years. However, overcommitting can lead to stress and burnout, robbing us of our desired peace and calm.
According to psychologists, individuals who feel busy all the time are more likely to have anxiety, depression, and an overall poorer sense of well-being.
In your 60s and beyond, it’s time to evaluate your commitments. Learn to say no to things that don’t bring you joy or contribute to your well-being. By doing so, you’ll create more room for peace and relaxation in your life.
4) Staying in toxic relationships
Relationships should add value to our lives, provide comfort, and enrich our experiences. Unfortunately, not all relationships do this. Some are draining, causing more harm than good.
In your 60s and beyond, it’s essential to evaluate your relationships. If you find any that are negatively affecting your peace and tranquility, it might be time to part ways.
Cutting ties with toxic individuals doesn’t mean you’re heartless. It means you’re prioritizing your peace and well-being.
Remember, it’s never too late to surround yourself with positive influences that contribute to your peaceful journey.
5) Living in the past
Life is a beautiful journey filled with highs and lows, triumphs and failures. And while our past has shaped us into who we are today, dwelling on it can prevent us from fully enjoying the present.
As you grow older, it’s time to gently close the door on the past. Cherish the memories, learn from the experiences, but don’t let them consume your present.
You’ve earned your stripes, weathered the storms, and you’re still standing. Now is the time to let go of what was and embrace what is. Life is happening right here, right now. And each moment is precious.
Letting go of the past is a gift you give yourself, a gift of peace and serenity that allows you to fully enjoy your golden years.
6) Ignoring your passions
For years, I found myself caught up in the daily grind, always on the go, always ticking off tasks from my to-do list. But one day, I realized that I had forgotten something crucial – I had forgotten to nurture my passions.
We all have things we love to do – hobbies, activities, or interests that make us feel alive and happy. But as we get older, we often sideline these passions for more ‘practical’ tasks.
Your 60s could be a time to rekindle these passions. Whether it’s painting, gardening, writing, or traveling – do whatever sets your soul on fire.
Reconnecting with your passions can bring immense peace and fulfillment. It’s like coming home to yourself, a gentle reminder of who you truly are. And trust me, there’s nothing quite like it.
7) Fearing change
Change is a constant part of life. It’s the one thing we can always count on. Yet, many of us fear it because it disrupts our comfort zones and challenges our routines.
However, fearing change only leads to restlessness and unease. Instead of resisting it, try embracing it. See it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Try and cultivate a positive outlook towards change. Welcome new experiences, adapt to different situations, and you’ll find that peace comes naturally when we flow with life rather than against it.
8) Neglecting gratitude
Lastly, gratitude is the key to a peaceful heart. It invites joy into our life by helping us appreciate the things we have, rather than constantly chasing what we don’t.
Cultivating a habit of gratitude can profoundly transform your outlook on life. It shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s already present, fostering contentment and peace.
So, if you’re in your 60s and beyond and seeking peace, start with gratitude. Acknowledge the blessings in your life, big or small. It’s a simple yet powerful habit that can brighten even the darkest days and brings tranquility into your golden years.
Embracing the journey
The journey towards peace in your 60s and beyond is as unique as you are. It’s a deeply personal path that encompasses letting go, embracing change, and honoring your true self.
Remember the words of Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh: “Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see. The question is whether or not we are in touch with it.”
Saying goodbye to these habits will help you reconnect with yourself. And that will get you in touch with the peace that’s waiting inside you.
So take a moment. Reflect on your journey so far. Are there habits holding you back from the peace you yearn for? Is there room for more tranquility in your life?
There’s no time like the present to start cultivating a more peaceful existence. To nurture tranquility in your golden years and savor the contentment that comes with it.
After all, the pursuit of peace isn’t merely about the destination. It’s about embracing the journey every step of the way.
