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So much about growing up revolves around letting go.

Letting go of people, places, and things we love. Letting go of beliefs that used to define us. Letting go of the idea of who we thought we were and who we want to be.

It feels like with every year that passes, without us even realizing it, we’re changing. But that change is often less about becoming someone completely different and more about becoming more of who we are.

Of digging deeper and finding what resonates with us. What makes us feel lighter, happier, and more authentic.

I know that some people find these changes scary. And I get it—when we’ve always behaved or believed a certain way, it can be jarring to realize that the things we used to love no longer bring us the joy or comfort or satisfaction they used to.

But the flip side of letting go is that we give ourselves the opportunity to let new things in. New people. New places. New ideas. New beliefs. And space for a more grounded version of ourselves to emerge.

The other day, I asked our Elephant Journal community a question that had been on my mind for a while:

What did you used to enjoy when you were younger that you’re starting to dislike as you get older?

I laughed when I saw the top answer: people.

I think we’ve all been in positions as we get older where we just don’t have the same patience or tolerance for large groups or socializing or dealing with people who bring us down rather than lift us up.

And while most of us can’t completely cut ourselves off from society (and don’t genuinely want to), there are plenty of other things we can let go of—big and small—to bring us closer to a life that feels more mindful, more calm, more in line with who we want to be moving forward.

Here are 15 things it’s okay to leave in our past:

High heels. ~ Christine

Shops playing loud music. ~ Carol

Needlessly negative people. ~ Jeff

Loud parties, crowds, airport travel. ~ Gregory

Driving…It’s a different world on the roads today. ~ Deborah

Drinking alcohol and smoking. ~ Mirjam

Wearing pants. ~ Darcie

Eating an entire cheesecake. ~ Corey

Staying out late. ~ Kathleen

Talking on the phone. ~ Melissa

Rollercoasters, in particular the ones which go backwards, and heavy metal concerts. ~ Justa

Running 3-8 miles a day. Now I’m a walker. ~ James

The heat of summer. ~ Cat

Going out to eat. ~ Mary

Constant travel, loud music, heavy luggage, and possessions of things and people. Beauty of life is simplicity, creativity, and curiosity with detachment. ~ Sana
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What would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments!

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