Once I turned 60, all those little things I used to feel guilty about just vanished. Rather, I let them all go. After all, life is too short for guilt & regrets. It’s like I just let myself live freely—and have fun. Now I focus on what feels good and forget the rest. Here are the 12 things that I have now let myself enjoy without any second thoughts.
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Saying No Without Apologies
For years, when I said “no”, I felt as if I was failing my family, friends, colleagues – anyone really. But now? ‘I learned that “no” is a complete sentence. I don’t have to justify or explain it anymore. It’s just so liberating to do what works for me and no longer care about pleasing everyone.
Eating What I Love
For decades, I measured calories, skipped desserts and felt guilty about indulging. But guess what? Life is too short to miss the good stuff. So a mushy pizza, a warm cookie, that extra scoop of ice cream – I can have it now, without guilt. Food is supposed to be enjoyed, not obsessed over.
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Dressing for Comfort
No more putting myself into skinny jeans or bouncing around in heels that hurt after five minutes. Now I’m wearing what feels good — light clothes, slouchy waistbands, shoes that actually help my feet. Comfort isn’t boring. It’s the ultimate luxury.
Living Slowly
Remember how life was just a big checklist? That’s over. Now, I take my time. I sip my coffee every morning, sit in the garden or on the porch and just listen to the birds. I don’t feel guilty about “wasting” time anymore, because it is not waste at all — it’s lived.
Spending on Myself
I used to hate spending money on myself, especially when there were always bills and kids and things to worry about. Yet now, I’m not afraid to go out and buy that dress, or book the spa session, or that vacation. I’ve worked hard for this & I’ve earned it – pampering myself is like an indulgence.
Taking a Nap
Nothing like curling up for a nap in the afternoon. It’s not lazy—it’s restorative. I used to struggle with exhaustion, believing naps should be reserved for children or for sick days, but now I let myself rest whenever I want.
Speaking My Mind
I was so used to being polite, biting my tongue, & worrying about offending people. These days I just say what I think – kindly, of course – but honestly. It’s so liberating to not be walking on eggshells and just opening up with people.
Revisiting Childhood Joys
Remember those things you enjoyed as a child but stopped because life got in the way? I’ve been back to them — puzzles, painting, gardening, & coloring books. You’d be surprised how happy these simple things are. They’re not dumb and frivolous – they bring you pure joy.
Letting Go of Perfection
I used to get worried about making things perfect — the house, my looks, my food, etc. And now I know no one cares if my pie crust isn’t perfect or the laundry isn’t folded right. It’s OK to not be perfect.
Disconnecting From the World
I used to feel bad about not checking emails, not answering calls or taking a day off from social media. Not anymore. And now I switch off whenever I have to. A free day does wonders for my sanity and I don’t have to make excuses any more.
Enjoying the Good Stuff
A glass of wine, a piece (or three) of dark chocolate, a comfortable place to read a good book -all these little things make life sweet. Before I was scared that I might indulge, but these days I just enjoy it all without any guilt. These little (but good) things add joy to life.
Being Myself
For years, I worried about fitting in. I was always worried I’d say the wrong thing in front of people or that I look different from others. Now, I couldn’t care less. I live with my oddities. I make fun of myself. Basically, I just live as me. This freedom that comes from self-love is the best gift I’ve ever given myself.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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