The art of simple living: 8 things to let go of for a happier, more peaceful life

We live in a world that constantly pushes us to do more, achieve more, and accumulate more. The result? Stress and overwhelm!
But what if I told you that the secret to a happier, more peaceful life is simplicity?
Easier said than done, I know. But the secret lies in letting go of unhealthy habits, possessions, and negative emotions.
As a mindfulness enthusiast.
I truly believe in the art of simple living and letting go of things that do not serve you, and in this article I’ll show you why.
I’ll help you identify 8 things that are holding you back from happiness —and how releasing them can create space for greater joy and tranquility.
1) Let go of clutter
We live in a consumerist society that encourages us to accumulate stuff.
Over time, this constant influx of “stuff” piles up, filling our homes, closets, and minds.
But psychology shows that when your space is cluttered, your mind feels cluttered too.
The weight of excess items can create a sense of overwhelm, making it harder to focus, relax, or feel truly at peace.
In the spirit of simple living, the first thing to let go of is unnecessary clutter.
This isn’t just about tidying up your physical space, but also decluttering your digital and mental space.
Getting rid of things you don’t need or use anymore can be incredibly liberating.
It allows you to make room for things that truly matter and bring joy to your life.
2) Let go of the need to be busy
Busyness is often seen as a badge of honor. But is it really?
Here’s a personal example.
A few years ago, I found myself caught up in a whirlwind of tasks, meetings, and never-ending to-do lists.
I was always running from one thing to another, convinced that being busy meant I was important and successful.
But all it did was leave me stressed, tired, and disconnected from what really brought me happiness.
So, I decided to let go of the need to be constantly busy.
Instead, I started valuing quality over quantity in my work and began prioritizing rest and relaxation.
And guess what?
My productivity didn’t decrease. In fact, it increased because I was more focused and energized.
It’s crucial to remember that your worth is not determined by how busy you are. It’s okay to slow down, take a breath, and simply be.
3) Let go of your ego
Our ego often gets in the way of our happiness. It’s that voice in our head that constantly:
- Compares us to others
- Pushes us to prove ourselves
- Makes us defensive when we feel threatened
But here’s the thing: your ego isn’t your true self. It’s a constructed identity, not your core essence.
And holding onto it tightly can cause unnecessary stress and conflict.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve into the Buddhist perspective of ego and how letting go of it can lead to a happier, more peaceful life.
By learning to observe your ego and not identifying with it, you can cultivate mindfulness and live from a place of authenticity rather than ego-driven fear or desire.
As you let go of your ego, you’ll find that life becomes less about proving yourself and more about living in harmony with others and the world around you.
It’s a liberating shift that can truly transform your life for the better.
4) Let go of negative self-talk
Negative self-talk, those inner dialogues filled with criticism and doubt, can be incredibly damaging.
They chip away at your self-esteem and can affect your mental well-being.
Psychologists often refer to this as the “inner critic“.
It’s that voice in your head that constantly tells you that you’re not good enough, smart enough, or just simply enough.
But here’s a practical way to deal with it – mindfulness.
Whenever you catch yourself engaging in negative self-talk, pause. Observe these thoughts without judgment.
Recognize them for what they are – just thoughts, not facts.
Then, consciously replace these negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
This practice is backed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a widely respected psychological approach that involves reshaping negative thought patterns.
Your words have power, especially the ones you say to yourself.
By letting go of negative self-talk, you’re creating space for positivity, self-love, and acceptance in your life.
5) Let go of perfectionism
This might sound counterintuitive, but striving for perfection can actually hold you back from living a happier, more peaceful life.
Perfectionism often leads to procrastination, self-doubt, and stress.
It’s a constant chase for an unattainable ideal, leaving you feeling perpetually unsatisfied with your accomplishments.
Instead of aiming for perfection, embrace the concept of “good enough”.
This doesn’t mean you stop striving for excellence or quit setting high standards for yourself.
It simply means acknowledging that it’s okay to make mistakes and have flaws.
Embrace your imperfections as opportunities for growth rather than signs of failure.
By letting go of perfectionism, you’re opening up the space to enjoy the process and find satisfaction in your progress.
6) Let go of the past
The past can be a heavy burden to carry.
Past mistakes, regrets, and painful memories can rob us of our present joy and peace if we let them.
But here’s the thing – you can’t change the past. You can only learn from it.
Letting go of the past doesn’t mean forgetting or denying what happened.
It means acknowledging it, learning from it, and then moving forward without letting it control your present or dictate your future.
So let go of the past and embrace the journey of now. By doing so, you’ll free yourself to live a happier, more peaceful life.
7) Let go of pleasing everyone
It’s exhausting trying to please everyone all the time.
No matter how much you bend over backwards, you can never satisfy everybody. In fact, you might end up losing yourself in the process.
Letting go of pleasing everyone means setting boundaries and respecting your own needs and values.
You have the right to say no, to express your opinions, and to prioritize your well-being.
Not everyone will agree or be happy with it, and that’s okay. Just remember that your worth is not determined by others’ approval.
By letting go of the need to please everyone, you’re giving yourself the freedom to be authentically you.
8) Let go of fear of change
Change is a natural part of life, yet many of us fear it.
We cling to our comfort zones, even when they no longer serve us, because the unknown can be scary.
But consider this: every significant growth in your life has come from a change.
Whether it’s moving to a new city, starting a new job, or ending a relationship that wasn’t working – these changes pushed you out of your comfort zone and helped you grow.
Letting go of the fear of change allows you to embrace new opportunities and experiences.
It opens up the possibility for improvement and growth in ways you might not have imagined.
Final thoughts: Embracing simplicity
In the journey toward a simpler, more fulfilling life, it’s easy to think we need to add more—more routines, more achievements, more possessions.
But as we’ve explored, true peace often comes from letting go.
By releasing unnecessary clutter, people pleasing, and the constant need for validation, you create space for what truly matters.
You might find it valuable to delve deeper into these concepts in my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”.
It offers further insights into mindfulness, letting go, and living authentically.
As you let go of these eight things, you’ll find yourself feeling lighter, more aligned with your values, and more at peace with the life you’ve built.
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