How often does life test us? How often do we have to navigate turbulent waters? Hopefully, we will handle them with grace and peace. That’s the goal, isn’t it? to not wish we didn’t get tested, to work towards handling these tests, better.
Whether it’s the weather, a job, finances, belief, or religion. Here are some different perspectives that stoicism preaches.
- Focus on what you can control
The world is full of events beyond our “circle of control”. Instead of fretting over circumstances we can’t change,= – like what they did or said, or what happened to us – we should direct our energy towards our own thoughts, actions, and reactions. As Epictetus said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
Maybe it’s seeing the ‘silver lining’ but the fact is that we can choose what we focus on, the good or the bad.
- Embrace discomfort
Growth rarely occurs in comfort zones. By voluntarily exposing ourselves to difficulties, we build resilience. Cold showers, fasting, going ‘poor’ for a few days, or tackling challenging tasks can strengthen our ability to handle life’s inevitable hardships.
- Practice negative visualization
Regularly contemplate losing the things you value. This isn’t an exercise in pessimism, but a way to cultivate gratitude and prepare for potential setbacks. Appreciating what we have while it’s here brings us more happiness in the moment. Life doesn’t last forever, how often do we think about that?
- Live with nature
Understand your role in the greater cosmos. Accept that you’re part of a larger system and that events unfold according to natural laws. This perspective can help alleviate anxiety about things beyond our control. Sometimes, things don’t need a reason, and who cares what the reason is? What’s the reality?
- Cultivate virtue
The Stoics believed that virtue – wisdom, justice, courage, and self-control – was the only true good. By focusing on developing these qualities, we can find fulfillment regardless of external circumstances.
- Memento mori – Remember death
Reflecting on our mortality isn’t weird; it’s a powerful tool to prioritize what truly matters. Use the finite nature of life as motivation to live fully and purposefully, now. We only got one shot.
- Be present
The past is unchangeable, and the future is uncertain. The present moment is where life actually happens. Practice mindfulness to fully engage with your current experience.
- View obstacles as opportunities
Reframe challenges as chances for growth. As Marcus Aurelius wrote, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
What do you think?
By incorporating these Stoic principles into our daily lives, we can develop a more balanced, resilient approach to both adversity and success. Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate emotions or become indifferent, but to respond to life’s events with reason and virtue. It may be different then what most people do, but do we want to live life like most people? Probably not.
In a world of constant change and uncertainty, Stoicism offers an eventual – somewhat stable foundation. It reminds us that true happiness comes not from external circumstances, but from our internal state and how we choose to perceive and interact with the world around us.
It may suck, but we can’t really control that much: our actions and reactions.
Keep on stepping.
Joe DiAndrea 
Very insightful 👏
Remembering death puts life in perspective.
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