“A good fortune is a good disposition of the soul, good emotions, good actions.”
— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book V
Serenity is the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
Going through deep changes in life is hard. Once you have a set routine and it ceases to exist, you have an opportunity for growth.
We only grow through suffering.
Unfortunately, there isn’t another way.
Stoicism is a powerful life framework because of that. You learn how to embrace suffering and serenity through difficult times.
Everything changes and will soon be dispersed into ether. We have little time. Life is short.
Always continue executing your duties. You are alive for a reason. Eliminate all spiritual obsession.
What belongs to you will come at the right time, once you learn how to be present.
Think through what matters the most in your life and the reason for it.
Returning to serenity requires minimalist action. Take the very next step. Break it down into something so small that you look silly by not doing it.
It is not about getting to 10% body fat. It is about waking up early and just putting on your gym clothes. Once you do that, it is pretty hard not to exercise — even a little bit.
As you work to build new habits and eliminate what doesn’t serve you well, start very, very small, and feel the progress.
Show up. Be untroubled. Return to serenity.
Protecting yourself from your mind and ego is a daily endeavor. When you are not present, the voice of your thoughts comes in and dominates you.
Finally, COVID is “over” in Shanghai. Now that the CCP declares its victory, the US will likely become more comfortable, temporarily.
The world respects those that take risk. People that put skin in the game and are willing to self-sacrifice to build something greater than themselves.
