Daily Stoic(s)

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

Yesterday - Don’t Burn The Candle At Both Ends

Take a break. I actually at this very moment feel worn down. Part of it was decisions to stay up a little later last night. Part of it is work. Part of it is family. Part of it is outside activities. I workout pretty regularly. I think tonight will be an opportunity to relax.

Today - Life Is Long — If You Know How To Use It

Cut out the clutter in life. I have to be careful at work not to over-committee myself. I also have to do that at home because I have a lot of interests. Some times that can feel overwhelming. I’m constantly working to find how to become more efficient and clutter free. Focusing on the things that provide a long life.

Meaningless...Like A Fine Wine

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

The stoic talks about wine. In the end whether it’s fine or wretched it passes through our system. The same could be applied for any sort of “expert” in a luxury arena. I like craft beer. I used to just drink whatever. That’s changed since I started hanging out with people who prefer a certain type of beer. I do rate the beer and often will give it higher ratings than others because I don’t want to be arrogant about my ratings. I think if I enjoyed it and would drink again then it should have a higher rating.

After having lots of good beer some of the stuff I used to drink isn’t the same. I won’t trash it because I recognize that it just isn’t for me anymore. I used to enjoy it. Not so much now. There’s other stuff that I still enjoy but the taste is much blander. I’m a bit off on a side path here. I’m in it for the experience good or bad. I’m not in it to be the expert. I still don’t understand what a piney beer should taste like.

What Are You So Afraid Of Losing?

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

Another stoic about death. I find these entries interesting because the person writing them has been writing a lot about the pandemic. They’re very passionate about doing all the right things for the pandemic. Yet, they have a book out talking about death. For an entire month no less. This is an unpopular opinion during this time. I’ve recently gotten into a bit of a discussion about this with a co-worker. They were shocked at my stance. I’m all for taking precautions. I wear a mask. I sanitize. I stay six feet from people. I’m not as concerned about the death toll or the numbers. They’re small percentages at this point and likely to improve as we improve our medical treatment. I’m just not as worried about it. The people impacted by this are of an advanced age or prone to these types of viruses. I can’t control it and neither can anyone else. Worrying about it is a waste of energy.

Stake Your Own Claim

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

In the stoic is talks about staking my own claim. This revolves around ideas, thoughts, and sayings. I’ve often wondered if I have anything to add to stoicism. We study stoics and philosophers of the past. Are there any today or has everything been said that needs to be said. I think there is more to say. More ideas, particular for our age. I feel as if I have said them. They just haven’t been written down or even if written down widely distributed. I can only influence what’s in my person circle. Maybe if I were to get famous I’d have a larger influence. I’m not interested in that though. Maybe these blog posts teach or enlighten people thousands of years from now. It doesn’t matter to me because I’ll be gone anyway.

What Do You Have To Show For Your Years?

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

This stoic is interesting. What defines a valuable use of ones time. Rounds of golf are called out as something being wasteful. I disagree because I’ve used golf as an opportunity to practice my stoicism. I’ve used it to stay in shape and active. I’ve used it to meet new people and hang out with friends. The challenge of it is something that not only stretches me physically but also mentally.

Is achievement in my career supposed to be what defines me? Be remembered? Do something that changes the world? Each person is different. Video games could also be looked at as wasteful. They too can stretch the mind. They can allow me to connect with friends and make new acquaintances. Some of my best friends are people whom I have never met. Maybe it’s not aimed at me. I've met my career goals and now I’m happy to live life. Spend time with friends and family. Try new things. I don’t need to be famous or some day have a book written about me. I’m just trying to be happy with who I am. Which is easier said than done.