A Challenging Year, What Helped Me

I've been keeping a secret from social media. Why? I did something at this time in December 2022 and was unsure if I would keep up with it for the year (my worry was another New Year's Resolution that faded away, or worse I would sound like a tech bro about "the latest thing").

At the beginning of last year, I was dealing with... a lot. Work and life were getting the best of me. I am self-aware enough to know that I was overwhelmed. I'm well aware that the feeling contributes to so many negative things, so I thought a lot about what to do. I realized I needed a guide. For many people, that is a mentor or religion. I had spent time looking into those things, but I fortunately on December 4th, 2022, my YouTube algorithm provided me with something that would help me get through this year and I believe beyond. The Daily Stoic.

I beg of you, don't stop reading. One of the reasons why I had been quiet about it other than with friends is that I was worried it would come across as bro-ish, cult-ish, and "oh look what I found, you should do this too!". I also was worried that it would be something that would quickly wane after a month or two.

At first, I was skeptical as I thought "oh, isn't Stoicism where you are not supposed to show your feelings and life is to be endured instead of enjoyed?" I couldn't be more wrong. As I learned more, I realized that this was a philosophy that although steeped in history (Greece and Rome), its principles are grounded in the modern world.

What is Stoicism and how did it help me? Well, the easiest way to explain is the concept that you cannot control anything other than your response to those things, or more succinctly "accept reality". Of course, there is more, but I found this to be profound. It led to me changing my role at work so that I could get closer to the technology I loved, it changed my relationships, had me find my passion for books & reading again and it provided a foundation for how to approach things, especially when they are challenging.

I'm not saying it was a cure-all, but I've much more easily navigated those things that cause me anxiety and provides a good litmus test to my decisions. What I found was something that helped me, and I wanted to share with others.

So, I am sharing this with you. In 5 minutes, you will understand Stoicism and its principles. Also, you don't have to buy expensive things to do it. Literally I use Field Notes notebooks (you know those things we all buy and then leave them blank?) for journaling. Nothing else needed! I only spend about 20 minutes a day journaling, reading and the occasional YouTube video.

I've stuck with my own practice, and it helped me, so I wanted to share this with you as you may be someone who feels overwhelmed as I did, and I really hope that perhaps Stoicism will help.

A huge, sincere thank you if you read this far. Be kind.