Being Stoic
Last year, Ryan Holiday visited Vancouver to share the transformative benefits of Stoicism. Inspired by his teachings, I purchased The Daily Stoic Journal and The Daily Stoic Meditations and committed to practicing them daily throughout 2025.
Just a few days in, I can already see the benefits and feel a shift in how I approach both my personal and professional life. Each day begins with a thought-provoking question for contemplation and ends with a reflective prompt, creating a powerful cycle of growth and awareness.
Holiday’s stoic philosophy emphasizes resilience, mindfulness, and the importance of focusing on what we can control. By embracing these principles, we can lead a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Key Stoic Principles to Live By:
Embrace Adversity: View challenges as opportunities for personal growth.
Practice Mindfulness: Stay present in the moment to enhance clarity and focus.
Focus on Your Response: Rather than dwelling on external events, concentrate on how you choose to respond, fostering emotional stability.
Reflect on Values: Regularly evaluate your priorities to align your actions with your true self.
My Morning Routine This Year, Inspired by Stoicism:
Wake Up Early: Start the day calmly, allowing time for reflection and avoiding the rush.
Morning Reflection: Spend a few minutes setting intentions for the day, focusing on what is within my control.
Journaling: Record my thoughts, potential challenges, and how I plan to respond with a stoic mindset.
Mindfulness or Meditation: Practice a short meditation to ground myself and enhance present-moment awareness.
Recommended Reads on Stoicism:
“The Obstacle Is the Way”: Learn how to transform adversity into advantage through a stoic perspective.
“Ego Is the Enemy”: Understand the pitfalls of ego and discover how to cultivate humility and resilience.
“The Daily Stoic”: Co-authored with Stephen Hanselman, this book offers daily reflections and insights on stoic philosophy.
“The Stoic Challenge”: Explore how reframing difficulties as opportunities can help you tackle life’s challenges with a fresh perspective.
🎵 Songs of the Week 🎵
Some artists that I am excited to see in 2025!
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Red Right Hand
The Devil Makes Three - Old Number Live | The Relix Sessions
The Wailin’ Jennys | Storm Comin’
Alison Moyet - Only You (Live)
💿 Being’s Blog Playlist 💿