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.
Things To Let Go
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.
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.”
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.
Obsessing Over Birthdays
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.”
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.
Toxic 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.
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.
The Small Stuff
As you age, you stop worrying about small slights. If it won’t matter in five years, it probably doesn’t matter today.
Envy
Young people constantly look to what others have. As you get older, you realize that doesn’t matter. Everyone is on their own path, you don’t need to keep up with the Jones’s for a happy life.
Working Too Hard
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Source: Reddit