My stress is one thing I am grateful for today. It was hard to shut myself off and stop talking. It was even harder to answer this tough question (but I had help along the way). As one stressful moment weaved into another, I saw a pattern emerge.
I used AI to create an argument to best help me identify my stress. I asked, “how can I integrate this with stress management?”
I also asked what is the best argument for doing this throughout my life, and AI said the best argument for doing this throughout my life is the pursuit of personal growth and fulfilment.
To me, the ‘good life’ has many reasons, here are some that AI said to my question: Self discovery, Adaptability, Continuous improvement, Alignment with Values, Maximizing Potential, Well-being and Happiness, Inspiring Others and many more….
I must always remember that finding what works and why is a lifelong process, and I will try to cultivate curiosity, open mindedness, and use lots of self-compassion. And I will leverage the time in the morning and evenings to do the work. I do this now and I also daydream. And I use creativity to journal this entry. I do this to alleviate my business to reduce stress and find the ‘good life’.
AI: That’s a good question. I think it depends on how you define a lifestyle and something more. For some people, Stoicism is just a set of tools and techniques that they use to cope with life’s challenges and improve their well-being. For others, Stoicism is a way of life that shapes their values, beliefs, and actions. For some, Stoicism is even a spiritual path that connects them with the divine reason or logos that governs the universe.
What do you think? How do you see Stoicism in your life?
Me: It is about Cicero, On Living and Dying Well. I referred to a big piece of it in my last blog entry on Michael’s Space. “Grab Hold Of Yourself And Stop Being Afraid Of Your Freedom”. My blog will continue to have elements in future blog posts. But first, do no harm to myself and others. And remember this is about being and doing.
I am doing the same by learning from my teacher : Epictetus.
Who is your teacher?
I think Socrates posits the question best through getting to know himself and staying anonymous ( not writing much down and becoming complex through a student called Plato).
I like it that money is available but not to excess.
I like it that education is key to being a better person.
It seems important to do my best and do no harm.
It is tragic that Socrates died to prove a life is worth living.
But if I truly understand, I may yet be free from the clutches of vice and ruin.
I believe in a living life kind of stoicism.
To be rational, find mental and moral health and let go of hate or a lack of compassion for yourself or others.