25 Things I Quit in Order to Simplify

I’ve been thinking about some of the things that I’ve stopped doing in order to simplify my life.

I first got the idea from Simple Happy Zen, who shared the things she no longer does to live a simple life. And I’ve seen several people do something similar, sharing what they’ve stopped doing to simplify, minimize, or save money.

Sometimes it’s more impactful to remove something than to keep adding more to our lives. It’s not always easier, but it’s often more effective.

Recently, this has been hitting me pretty hard because I’ve curated my home and environment to be this safe, calm, peaceful place—a little happiness bubble that I talk about a lot. We don’t really go out a whole lot, and when we do, it’s usually to hang out with people we already know and love. But we’ve been going to a new gym the past couple of weeks, and we’ve been in a lot of public spaces and interacting more with people—like at counters or in brief conversations.

And I was reminded that not everyone out there is happy.

Not everyone is kind, and not everyone is trying to be.

There are a lot of different personalities, intentions, and ways of life existing all at the same time.

It’s easy to forget that.

It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come when you’ve built this little happiness bubble around yourself.

But it’s good to step out of it sometimes. It’s good to interact with people and reconnect with the world around us—to remember where other people are and to remember how to effectively communicate with them.

So I wanted to share some of the things I no longer do to simplify my life.

1. I Stopped Allowing Negativity Inside My Bubble

This one was the very first thing that came to mind when I started this list.

I’ve stopped allowing negativity inside my bubble.

Now, of course, I still allow for bad days and emotional moments with my family—people I care about. That’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about consistently negative people and the toxicity that comes with them.

This is the number one thing that helped me shift from being someone who was miserable, depressed, anxious, and not thriving—to someone who feels genuinely happy and deeply grateful for where I am today.

And I can 100% pinpoint that transformation to one thing: being intentional about who I surround myself with. I stopped letting toxic people in. I stopped letting that energy in.

2. I Quit Facebook

I haven’t used Facebook in well over a year—and I don’t regret it at all.

Technically, I still have a business account, but I’m never on it. I don’t use it. I’m not active. There are no friends or followers or anything going on there. I do have a Facebook page, but I don’t really post to it either.

The only reason I’ve kept any Facebook presence at all is so I can run ads for promotions if I want to. And even that? I haven’t done in over a year.

I don’t do much social media in general. I know I’m here on YouTube, but I don’t really consider this the same thing. I’ll share more on that later. For now, I’ll just say: social media can be very toxic. And quitting Facebook simplified so much for me.

3. I Quit Offering Things I Don’t Want to Fulfill

This applies to my business and my personal life.

When I first started my business—Mia Danielle—I kept hearing this message: Don’t create a business you hate. Don’t build something you won’t want to show up for every day. And even though I heard that over and over again, I still found myself doing what I saw other people doing.

People would say, “You have to have a Facebook group.” So—even though I hated Facebook—I created one, because “everybody has one.”

Or, “You need to be on Instagram every day, posting stories, posting reels.”

Record clips from your life every day—even if that means you’re not really living your life because you’re always documenting it.

Eventually, I just stopped. I realized: I don’t have to do things that don’t make me happy.

Why build a life that’s based on things I don’t enjoy?

Some people love that kind of stuff. But for me? It’s not fulfilling. And until it is fulfilling, I’m not going to do it.

That same philosophy applies to my daily life. I’ve gotten really comfortable saying no to things I don’t want to do—whether that’s a scheduled commitment, an obligation, or signing up for something that doesn’t feel aligned. Life is simpler when you stop filling your calendar with stuff that drains you.

4. I Quit Prioritizing Improving My Weaknesses

For a long time, I believed that I needed to constantly improve my weaknesses. People say it all the time: “Work on your weaknesses to become a well-rounded person.” If you’re failing at something, that’s the area to focus on.

But then I heard a different message that hit me in the gut:

You can weaken your strengths trying to strengthen your weaknesses.

That made sense.

There are situations, of course, where I’ve needed to grow in areas I wasn’t naturally strong in. Patience, for example. I wasn’t always a patient person. But over time, I practiced, developed the skill—and now I am pretty patient.

Still, in general? If you’re constantly focused on fixing what you’re “bad” at, you’re not nurturing what you are good at. Your strengths atrophy. They fade.

So, I’ve shifted. I lean into the areas where I’m already strong—my natural talents and gifts. I collaborate with others who complement me instead of trying to wear every hat and do every task myself.

Because when you try to do it all, you end up doing everything just okay. And honestly, life is too short for that.

5. I Quit Responding When I’m Mad

I know this is something people say all the time: “Don’t respond when you’re mad.” Give it space. Let it simmer. It’s common knowledge.

But when I was younger, I had a real temper. I was quick to react. I even remember talking to my parents about how angry I’d get at my sister—and how I didn’t want to feel that way, but I didn’t know how to stop it.

Maybe some of that fiery reaction faded naturally with age and maturity, but I also know it’s something I’ve practiced.

I forced myself to pause. I started giving space between my reaction and my response. Sometimes I’d hand off the thing that was upsetting me altogether—just to break that emotional feedback loop.

Now, that pause is my default. It’s my habit.

And I’m not perfect! Sometimes I still get irritated with Matt—and half the time, it’s not even about him. It’s my own stuff coming up, making me overreact. But the only way to stop overreacting… is to not react at all.

You wouldn't believe some of the responses I’ve almost sent. Especially in the early YouTube days, when I was reading every negative comment. I’ve had entire clapbacks typed out—only to have Matt read them and say, “You really don’t need to send that.”

And he was right. I’m glad I didn’t.

6. I Quit Shopping In-Person (Mostly)

This one’s a little lighter—and probably pretty relatable. Like most people, I’ve stopped doing the majority of my shopping in person.

Honestly, it simplifies everything. I spend less money. I save my energy. I don’t get sucked into impulse buys.

I even order groceries online when I can. I reload the same cart, stick to the basics, and only add something new if I’m making a specific recipe or planning something intentional.

It’s a calmer, more efficient way to shop—and it’s one less errand taking up my time and bandwidth.

7. I Quit Forcing Friendships

This is something I used to do all the time: force friendships.

Even if I didn’t really enjoy the person or feel like spending time with them, I’d try to “make it work.” Some of the worst relationships in my life—whether romantic or platonic—were ones I had to force.

Now, the relationships I have come more naturally. I’m just living my life, being myself. They’re living their life, being themselves. And we still happen to align. We enjoy each other. We build an easy connection.

It’s organic. It’s peaceful. And it feels like a true friendship—not an assignment.

Of course, there are times when you need to make an effort. Especially if you’re trying to build a support system or connect with people in a new environment. But what I don’t do anymore is fixate.

I don’t chase specific people thinking, “This is the person who has to give me love or friendship.” That energy? It’s stressful. It’s unnatural. And it never ends well.

8. I Quit Reading Every Email

I used to be a completer. I thought I had to read every email, listen to every podcast episode, finish every book.

If someone sent me something, I felt obligated to absorb all of it—like it was my job to collect and retain every single drop of information.

But eventually, it just got to be too much. There’s so much information out there—and I’ll never be able to consume it all.

Now, I treat email more like a triage system. I glance at the sender and the subject line. And a lot of the time? That’s all I need. I skip whole emails that I know don’t require my attention.

And I’ve never once regretted it.

9. I Quit Watching All the News

Most days, I don’t watch the news at all.

When something important is happening and I want to stay informed, I’ll intentionally check in. But I don’t feel the need to constantly absorb a feed of updates just because they’re there.

There will always be more news—tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that. And half the time, what feels urgent today is irrelevant by next week.

So I no longer make it my job to carry the weight of every headline. My nervous system thanks me for that.

10. I Quit Going Out Late at Night

We do have a game night every week or two that sometimes goes late—maybe until 11. But beyond that? I’m not trying to stay up until 2 a.m. anymore.

I wear a Fitbit that tracks my sleep, and I’ve learned how much of our health—physical, mental, hormonal—can be traced back to sleep quality.

It’s that important.

Simplifying my nights has helped me simplify my days. I’ve even started shifting my rhythm so I get more sunshine, which means waking up a little earlier than I used to.

Going out late just doesn’t feel like a priority anymore. Rest does.

11. I Quit Waking Up to an Alarm

This one might not apply to everyone, but if you work from home, have a flexible schedule, or run your own business—it’s worth considering.

I used to always wake up to an alarm. And I hated it.

That jarring sound. That panicked jolt into the day. It made me dread mornings.

Now, I’ve shifted my sleep schedule so I go to bed a little earlier, get the rest I need, and let my body wake up naturally. Sometimes I wake up because the baby’s up. Sometimes it’s just the rhythm of the house. But I don’t startle awake anymore.

And I don’t schedule morning appointments if I can help it. I know myself. I know my body. And I respect what makes my days go more smoothly—which is not packing my mornings full of tasks and expectations.

The only time I’ll use an alarm now is if I have something really early and important. Otherwise? My body sets the pace.

12. I Quit Paying Bills Manually

A long time ago, I stopped paying bills manually—and I’ll never go back.

It’s all on autopay now. Every single thing.

I’m forgetful. I know that about myself. So I’ve built systems to keep things running smoothly without relying on memory or willpower.

It’s one less thing on my mental load—and it’s made my financial life way less stressful.

13. I Quit Drama

I don’t want to hear your drama. I’m not trying to create my own drama. I’m not interested.

In my late teens and early twenties, I thrived on drama. And there was plenty of it going around—which is probably why I thought I was thriving. But here’s the thing:

Drama feels exciting, but it makes you sick.

It drains your energy. It messes with your nervous system. It keeps you stuck in cycles of chaos when you could be growing, creating, or just enjoying life.

I’d rather redirect that energy toward something meaningful. Drama is noise. I’m not here for it.

14. I Quit Complex Routines

I’ve tried all kinds of routines over the years—like the 8-minute morning routine.

(Not to call anything out—those work really well for some people!)

But for me, those super-structured, step-by-step routines are hard to stick with. They feel more like checklists than real support. And no system is one-size-fits-all.

So instead of layering on more structure, I started removing pieces. Simplifying. Prioritizing the few practices that actually feel good.

And where I do have routines, I try to ritualize them—make them enjoyable. Add meaning. Light a candle. Turn on music. Let it feel like a treat instead of a task.

I’m not trying to do more. I’m trying to make what I already do more fulfilling.

15. I Quit Complicated Diets

I’ve been on a few. Keto was the big one—and I actually stuck with it for a pretty long time (for me, anyway). But it was a lot.

Special grocery lists. Separate meals for myself and the rest of the family. Constant research.

These days, I’m focused on something simpler: eating in a way that helps me live a long, healthy, vibrant life.

I’m thinking ahead 20, 30, even 40 years. I want to be a happy, energetic elder. I want to enjoy that season—not just survive it.

So I’m less interested in diet “systems” and more focused on a natural, intuitive approach to feeding my body well. Not hacking symptoms. Not obsessing over macros. Just choosing nourishment that supports the life I want to live.

And if you need to follow a specific diet for health reasons—of course, do that. But for me, the intention behind how I eat has shifted in a major way.

16. I Quit Needing to Spend Money to Celebrate

I’ve stopped feeling like I have to spend money in order to celebrate something.

And honestly, I get a little frustrated with the pressure to do so. The idea that because it’s a “special day,” we need to drop a bunch of cash—that’s something we’ve built into our culture out of habit. Not because it actually adds value.

Celebration doesn’t have to cost anything. Some of the most memorable moments in my life didn’t require a cent. The magic came from intention—not purchases.

17. I Quit Drinking My Calories

Over five years ago, I gave up drinking regular Coca-Cola. Now, I might have a Coke Zero here or there, but most of the time, I’m drinking water.

It’s simplified so many things—my energy, my metabolism, even my mood and mental clarity.

I used to go through this whole cycle: drink sugary soda, get headaches, feel bloated and low energy, then “fix” it all with caffeine pills, energy drinks, Advil, and who knows what else.

Now? I just drink more water. That one change helped eliminate a lot of the hacks and patches I used to rely on. Simpler. Healthier. Way more sustainable.

18. I Quit Changing Up My Favorite Products

Whether it’s food, shampoo, or skincare—I’ve stopped feeling the need to constantly try new stuff just because it’s there.

I’ve talked about this before: the difference between curating and collecting.

Curating means you find what works and stick with it. You make intentional choices. You re-choose your favorites. That’s what I’m doing now.

It’s simplified my space, my shopping, and even my decisions.

19. I Quit Over-Emphasizing Empathy

I have mixed feelings about this one—because empathy is a gift. I feel deeply. I can often tap into how someone else is feeling without them saying a word.

And for a long time, I thought: If I have this gift, I should use it. I should feel what others feel. I should help carry their load.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

You can’t absorb someone else’s pain in a way that actually helps them. You can only duplicate it.

And emotional energy is contagious.

If you open yourself up too much—especially around someone who’s constantly in crisis mode or sees themselves as the victim—it can pull you under. It can make you anxious, sad, or overwhelmed… and it won’t actually help them.

So I’ve learned how to close that door when I need to. I can still care. I can still offer support. But I no longer carry everything that isn’t mine.

20. I Quit Prioritizing My “Next Level” Over the Present

This one might surprise some people. It goes against a lot of the messaging we hear about goal setting and growth.

But I’ve stopped obsessing over my “next level.”

I still have goals. I’m still a fan of vision boards. I still work toward things I want.

But I no longer treat my life like it’s a waiting room for success.

Because here’s the truth: When you reach that goal, there’s always another one waiting. The journey is the whole thing. So if you’re not enjoying your life now, what’s the point?

I once heard a story about a fisherman that really stuck with me:

There’s this fisherman. In the evenings, he’ll take home a couple of fish to feed his family. Then he’ll go dance in the square, drink margaritas, and go home and play catch with his son. And then he’ll go to sleep.

And a businessman walks up to him and is like, “Why are you spending your time catching a few fish when you could have nets? You could be bringing in 10, 12 fish at a time and selling those at the markets. And then take that money and you could reinvest it into buying a boat. And with the boat, you could carry even bigger nets, and you could bring in 30 or 50 fish and sell those at the markets and make even more money.”

And the fisherman said, “Why would I want to do that?”

And the businessman said, “You don’t understand. You could have so much money just from having this one ship that you could buy a whole fleet of ships, hire people to run those ships for you, and you would have so many nets and so many fish that you wouldn’t have to work a day in your life.”

And the fisherman said, “And what would my reward be?”

And the businessman said, “That’s the best part. You would be able to just lounge on the beach all day, fishing for fun, go to the square in the evenings and dance and drink margaritas, and then go home and eat dinner with your family at night and play catch with your son, and wake up the next day and do it all over again.”

And the fisherman said, “And what do you think I’m doing right now?”

That’s it. That’s the lesson.

Yes, want more. Yes, grow. But don’t delay happiness for a version of life you already have access to. That mindset shift simplified everything.

21. I Quit Needing to Be Right

Being right used to mean everything to me—even when I was wrong.

I’d still try to argue my point, twist the story, or find some angle where I could look “right.” And honestly, it was exhausting.

Over time, I’ve completely let that go. I don’t need to be right anymore.

It’s so much easier—and so much more humbling—to just not care. Matt and I have conversations every day, and sure, sometimes we joke about who was right in a certain situation. But at the end of the day? I truly don’t care. It doesn’t matter.

Letting go of that need has lightened everything.

22. I Quit Trying to Do It All Myself

I’ve hinted at this a few times already, but it deserves its own spot: I stopped trying to do everything myself.

It’s been one of the most powerful things I’ve done to simplify my life. Whether that means delegating something at work, asking my kids to help out at home, or just letting Matt take the lead on something—it all counts.

You don’t have to carry the whole load. And often, the people you delegate to might even do it better than you.

Letting go of control doesn’t mean you’re lazy or incapable. It means you’re wise enough to protect your energy.

23. I Quit Reading Every Comment

In the first couple of years on YouTube, I read every single comment—even the hateful, pointless ones.

I’d wake up with a solid plan for the day, feeling good and ready to be productive... and then read one or two nasty comments, and my whole mood would tank. It would mess up my entire day.

You might say, “Well, don’t let people get to you.” And I have grown thicker skin over the years. But people are people—we all have days when we’re feeling vulnerable.

It’s just not healthy to let that many random strangers into your emotional space.

These days, I read a lot of comments—but not all. I still read and respond to helpful or constructive feedback. You don’t have to agree with me for me to want to engage. But if it’s just spewing negativity or trolling? I delete it.

It’s my channel. My space. My mental health. I get to protect that.

24. I Quit Blaming People

There were a lot of years when I thought, I’m like this because of that thing that happened… because of that person… because of that circumstance.

But blaming never helped anything.

It didn’t improve my life. It didn’t make me feel more empowered. It just left me stuck—feeling like I had no control.

And I see a lot of people living in that space: swimming around in blame, victimhood, bitterness... not realizing they could actually take the reins and move forward.

For me, learning to stop blaming was life-changing. And one of the keys to that was realizing that things aren’t black and white. People aren’t heroes or villains. Life isn’t that simple.

Once I really got that—once I stopped needing someone to blame—I was free to move forward without carrying that weight.

25. I Quit Over-Explaining the Past

(This one is kind of an extension of the last.)

I used to feel like I had to justify where I was. Explain why I hadn’t done X or hadn’t achieved Y. I felt like I owed people a narrative—something that would make everything make sense.

But you don’t need to carry around your origin story like a permission slip for your life.

Things are the way they are. You are where you are. And from here, you can choose to move in a different direction—no matter how you got here.

You don’t need to rehash every misstep or misjudgment to earn the right to begin again.

That’s been one of the most healing shifts of all.

Closing Thoughts

Hopefully, this wasn’t too much. Hopefull,y it was helpful to whoever needed to hear it.

And if not? Then it was therapeutic for me to have a little recall session—to walk through the things I’ve quit, the choices that have helped me simplify, and the mindsets that got me to where I am now.

I’ll chat with you next week.

Thanks for being here. 💛