What Should I Give Up in My 40’s?: 6 Things I don’t miss!

You ever sit down and think about the things you don’t do? Not in a “I wish I could” way, but in a “I never started, and I’m better off for it” kind of way? I have. After 20-plus years, there are things I’ve either given up or never started at all—and honestly? I don’t miss them one bit.

Here are six things I’ve let go of, and I’m perfectly fine without them. Maybe you’ll find a few of your own along the way.

1. Soda

I gave up soda in 10th grade. I heard a statistic that just cutting soda alone could help you lose 10 pounds a year, and I thought, Why even start? I’ll still take a sip every now and then, but I can’t even tell you the last time I had a whole one. It’s just not something I need. And truthfully, after all these years, I don’t even crave it.

2. Coffee

Every year, there’s at least one cold, dreary morning when I think, This would be the day I start drinking coffee. But then I remember—I’ve made it this far without it. I don’t love the smell. I don’t love the idea of needing caffeine to function. My kids love coffee. My husband likes coffee. I love the idea of a warm drink, but I don’t need the habit. And if I don’t need it, why start now?

3. Getting My Nails Done

For a few years, I made it a birthday tradition with a close friend of mine. A little treat-yourself moment. But the truth? It’s not for me. My nails always ended up thin and brittle afterward. Plus, for the cost of one salon visit, I could buy a whole stash of nail polish. Do I love a good hand massage? Sure. Will I get another pedicure someday? Probably. But it’s not part of my normal life, and I don’t miss it.

4. Thinking I Can Only Relax on Vacation

This one took some time, but I’ve let go of the idea that true relaxation only happens when you’re away. I love being home. I love the quiet of the outdoors. I’ve created a space that I actually enjoy, so why should I wait for a vacation to feel at peace? I can sit on my porch, read a book, and soak up the stillness right where I am.

5. Watching TV Regularly

For many years, we didn’t even have a TV. My parents never had it on in the background, and when I walked into our house, it wasn’t the center of attention. To this day, I don’t have the habit of watching TV. I love a good movie, but the routine of sitting down for shows every night? It’s just not part of my life. And I don’t feel like I’m missing out.

6. Keeping Up with What Everyone Else Is Doing

I don’t always know what’s going on in people’s lives unless I see them in person. And I’m okay with that. Social media makes it so easy to feel like you should keep up with everyone’s moves—their vacations, their babies, their big news. But when I hear something for the first time, it feels fresh, exciting, and personal. I don’t feel like I’m behind. I just get to enjoy the moment as it comes.

What are your thoughts?

Maybe you have a few things you’ve given up, too. Or maybe there’s something you’ve been wanting to let go of, but you just haven’t made the leap. I’d love to hear—what’s something you’ve left behind that you don’t miss?

Frequently Asked Questions

Comment Below if you can relate to any of these things. I would love to hear from you! 

• What was the hardest thing to give up? What was the best thing you gave up? 
• How did you know it was the right time to let go?
• Did giving these things up improve your relationships with close friends and family members?
• What’s the best way to start giving something up? What is the first thing you should do? 
• Did you ever regret giving anything up? 

More Things to Consider Giving Up in Your 40s

• Worrying about what a lot of people think
• Spending too much money on things that don’t bring lasting happiness
• Overcommitting and saying yes to every request
• Letting little things ruin your day
• Comparing yourself to others instead of seeing what you’ve got
• Alcohol

Tips on Giving Something Up

• Take the first step – Start small and focus on one area of your life at a time.
• Shift your mindset – Look at it from a different perspective. What’s the end goal?
• Give yourself grace – It might take a long time, and that’s okay.
• Find a good opportunity – If something is causing stress, it’s a great way to reassess. Maybe your next step is to pivot in a slightly different direction. 
• Celebrate progress – Even a little bit of change can lead to a happier life.
  

Things to Consider as You Let Go

• The hardest thing to give up is often the one that holds you back the most.
• Letting go at the right time can open the door to a better season of life.
• Removing certain habits or mindsets can deepen relationships with close friends and family.
• The best way to start is by focusing on one small change at a time.
• Looking back, you may realize you don’t miss the things you thought you would.

Biblical Perspective: Letting Go for a Greater Purpose

One story that stands out is when Jesus asked the rich young ruler to give up his wealth and follow Him (Mark 10:17-27). The man struggled because he had a hard time letting go of what felt secure. He wanted a good thing—eternal life—but couldn’t surrender what he held onto for a long time.

For us, this isn’t just about money. It’s about anything in our lives that keeps us from growth, peace, or a deeper faith. Maybe it’s expectations, old habits, or even relationships that aren’t healthy. The first step is recognizing what’s holding us back. The end goal isn’t just to give something up—it’s to make room for something better.

A great way to reflect on this is through Philippians 3:13-14:
“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Letting go isn’t about loss—it’s about gaining something greater.

Moving Forward with Purpose

Letting go isn’t always easy. As human beings, we often hold onto things because they once felt important. But sometimes, the most important thing is realizing what no longer serves us.

Change takes hard work, but a great story isn’t created in a single day. It’s a process of making intentional choices, little by little. The only way to move forward is to stop looking back. If something no longer deserves first place in your life, don’t be afraid to release it.

You don’t have to spend much time wondering if you’re doing the right thing. Trust that growth happens when we make space for what truly matters. What are you going to give up today?

With love,

Anna Sue