Age brings wisdom, and for me, it has also brought a sense of peace. At 66, I’ve discovered there are certain things I’ve just stopped worrying about altogether.

The journey to this tranquillity was filled with introspection and acceptance. It was about understanding what truly matters and letting go of the rest.

In this article, I’ll share the eight things I’ve completely stopped worrying about, hoping it might help you find your own peace. Whether you’re 26 or 66, we could all use a little less worry in our lives. So here’s my story.

1) Chasing perfection

Perfection is a trap, and I’ve learned this the hard way.

Early in life, we’re taught to strive for the best – the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect family. But as I grew older, I realized that chasing perfection was leaving me constantly unsatisfied and perpetually stressed.

Perfection is an illusion. There’s no such thing as the perfect job or the perfect family. Life is messy, unpredictable, and that’s what makes it beautiful.

So at 66, I’ve stopped chasing this illusion. Instead, I embrace imperfection. I’ve accepted that mistakes and failures are not just inevitable but a necessary part of growth.

Letting go of this futile pursuit has lifted a weight off my shoulders and helped me find peace. And guess what? It could do the same for you too.

2) What others think of me

For a good part of my life, I was overly concerned about what others thought of me. This constant need for approval and fear of judgement dictated my choices and actions.

I remember, when I was in my 40s, I was offered a fantastic opportunity to work abroad. But I turned it down because I was worried about what my friends would say. Would they think I was abandoning them? Would they judge me for choosing my career over our friendship?

It took me years to realize that their opinions didn’t define me or my happiness. Now, at 66, I’ve stopped worrying about what others think.

Looking back, I wish I had taken that job. But I also know that it’s these experiences and lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today – content and at peace with myself.

Remember, you’re the author of your own life story, not anyone else.

3) Aging

I’ll admit, growing older used to scare me. Signs of aging, like grey hair and wrinkles, were things I dreaded and tried to hide.

But then I learned that in Japan, there’s a concept called ‘wabi-sabi’, which is about finding beauty in imperfection and transience. It’s about embracing things as they are, including aging.

This philosophy resonated with me deeply. At 66, I have come to appreciate the grace in growing old. I’ve stopped worrying about aging and instead, I embrace it as a testament of a life well-lived.

The wrinkles on my face? They’re the traces of laughter and wisdom. The grey hair? It’s the silver lining of my journey.

In the end, it’s not about how you age physically, but how you age gracefully in your heart and spirit.

4) Time slipping away

There used to be a time when I would constantly worry about time slipping away. The clock always seemed to be ticking, reminding me of missed opportunities and unachieved goals.

But as I aged, I realized that time is not something to be feared, but to be cherished. At 66, I’ve stopped worrying about the time that has passed and started appreciating the present.

Every moment is a gift, every day a new opportunity. Instead of fretting about the past or the future, I’ve learned to savor the here and now.

So whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning sun or spending quality time with loved ones, I embrace every moment fully. This shift in perspective has not only brought me peace but also made my life more meaningful.

5) Regrets and past mistakes

We all have our list of regrets and past mistakes. I’m no different. For many years, I let these past missteps haunt me, overshadowing my present and future.

But one day, I realized that dwelling on the past was doing me more harm than good. It was preventing me from moving forward and finding happiness.

At 66, I’ve come to understand that everyone makes mistakes. It’s part of being human. What’s important is the lesson we learn from these mistakes.

I’ve stopped worrying about my regrets and past mistakes. Instead, I’ve chosen to forgive myself and use these experiences as stepping stones towards growth and self-improvement.

This journey of self-forgiveness has been liberating. It has helped me find peace within myself and has allowed me to live a more fulfilling life.

6) Not being enough

For a significant part of my life, I grappled with a nagging feeling of not being ‘enough’ – not smart enough, not successful enough, not good enough. This feeling stemmed from a place of deep insecurity and often left me feeling anxious and inadequate.

And then, when I turned 60, I was diagnosed with a health condition that forced me to reassess my life. It made me realize how much energy and happiness this constant self-doubt was stealing from me.

It’s been six years since that wake-up call. Today, at 66, I’ve finally stopped worrying about not being ‘enough’. I’ve accepted myself for who I am, with all my strengths and flaws.

I am enough. Just as I am. And so are you.

7) Materialistic pursuits

There was a time when I was consumed by materialistic pursuits. The latest gadgets, the fanciest car, the biggest house – I thought these were the things that defined success and happiness.

But as the years rolled by, I realized that these possessions brought only temporary joy. They didn’t bring the lasting contentment I was seeking.

At 66, I’ve stopped worrying about materialistic pursuits. Instead, I focus on experiences and relationships – things that truly enrich my life.

Traveling to new places, spending time with loved ones, volunteering for a cause close to my heart – these are the things that bring me genuine happiness now. It’s a simple life, but a fulfilling one.

8) The uncertainty of the future

The future is a mystery, and for a long time, that uncertainty used to keep me up at night. What if things don’t go as planned? What if something goes wrong?

But here’s what I’ve realized: worrying about the future doesn’t change it. It only robs us of our peace in the present.

So at 66, I’ve stopped worrying about the uncertainty of the future. Instead, I trust in my ability to handle whatever comes my way. And that trust has brought me an immense sense of peace and freedom.

Believe in yourself, cherish the present, and let the future unfold as it will.

Embracing the journey

The beauty of life lies in its unpredictability and the lessons we learn along the way.

At 66, I’ve found peace in letting go of worries that once kept me on edge. But this didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and growth.

The Dalai Lama once said, “Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” This profound understanding has been my guiding principle.

Each one of us has our own unique journey to peace. It may not be easy, and it may not be quick. But remember that it’s never about the destination, it’s always about the journey.

So if you’re on this journey, take a moment to reflect on what you’re holding onto. Is it serving you or is it causing undue stress? The power to choose peace over worry lies within you.

Remember, life is too short to be anything but happy. Embrace the journey and find your peace.