The Stoic's Journal

Why It’s Okay to Take a Day Off: A Stoic Perspective on Rest Ever feel like you just need a day to sit around, read, and do nothing? Maybe you’ve had a hectic week, or perhaps your mind’s been running on overdrive, and you’re craving some downtime. If you’re like many people, you might even feel a little guilty about it, thinking you should always be “on” and productive. But here’s the thing: taking a day to relax is not only okay, it’s actually a wise move—especially if you take a page out of the Stoic playbook. What the Stoics Say About Rest Now, the Stoics—those ancient philosophers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius—were all about living a life of virtue, discipline, and purpose. They weren’t big on laziness or wasting time. But they also knew something crucial: if you don’t take time to rest, you’ll burn out. And when you’re burned out, you’re not much good to yourself or anyone else. Seneca, for example, pointed out that overworking yourself isn’t noble; it’s counterproductive. If y...

Life Isn’t Fair—So What? A Stoic Approach to Overcoming Disappointment We’ve all heard those old clichés—“Life isn’t fair,” “Nice guys finish last,” and “You reap what you sow.” They get tossed around so often that they’ve almost lost their meaning. There’s a reason these sayings stick with us. They reflect the messy reality we all face. Sure, life doesn’t always play by the rules, and good deeds don’t guarantee good outcomes. Yet, these phrases also hint at something deeper: the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of resilience, kindness, and staying true to your values, even when the world seems unfair. So, what do we do when we don’t reap what we sow, or when we finish last—in other words, when life just isn’t fair? It’s a tough pill to swallow, and we all face it at some point. We work hard, play by the rules, and still come up short. It’s frustrating and disappointing, making us question everything we’ve been taught about hard work and justice. But is this really life’...

Turning Workplace Tension into Teamwork: Stoic Tips for a Smoother Workday Ever catch yourself saying, “I hate working with that crew; my team just clicks better,” or “I hope he’s not in today—I can’t stand that guy”? Yeah, we’ve all been there. It’s totally normal to have coworkers who just rub you the wrong way. Maybe it’s their personality, how they work, or just a gut feeling that makes you dread spending your day around them. But here’s where Stoicism gives us a different way to look at things. Stoicism isn’t about changing other people or the situation around you; it’s about changing how you respond to it. Marcus Aurelius, one of the big names in Stoicism, said it best: “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” So, what does that mean when you’re stuck working with someone you don’t like? First off, realize that those negative feelings are something you can control. Sure, it’s easy to blame someone else for making your workday m...

Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones: Embracing Challenges with Stoic Wisdom  Have you ever had a great idea you were super excited about, something you’d researched, planned, and launched, only to find the people closest to you not backing it? Maybe they even go out of their way to not support you or quietly undercut your efforts. It’s a real blow, especially when you were counting on encouragement from those who matter most. We see this attitude a lot when it comes to the rich and famous. On the surface, people might cheer on their wins, but underneath, there’s a sneaky satisfaction when they mess up. It’s almost like some would rather watch them fail than see them keep winning. I know this might come off as a bit bitter—and honestly, maybe it is. But instead of stewing in it, I need to hit pause and dive into some Stoic philosophy to clear my head and get back on track. So, let’s get to it, then! A Stoic approach to this situation could be summarized by the thought: “The impedi...

The search for happiness is as old as civilization itself. In ancient times, philosophers sought happiness through virtue and balance. For them, living a good life and cultivating wisdom were the keys to unlocking true contentment.  Fast forward to the 20th century, and happiness became a booming business. Self-help gurus and psychologists offered advice on achieving it through positive thinking, therapy, and even medication.  Today, in the age of smartphones and space exploration, contentment has taken on a new form. We find happiness in Netflix binges, cat videos, and memes that make us snort-laugh in public places.  But I wonder: Did ancient people truly find happiness? Have we drifted away from it over time, or has it always been as elusive as it feels now? Sure, maybe some Stoics and monks discovered the holy grail of happiness, but what about everyone else? Is true happiness a universal experience, or just an ideal we’ve been chasing all along?  Seneca’s wor...

Embracing What’s in Our Control: A Stoic Guide to Navigating Life’s Challenges Life can be a whirlwind of things we can’t control—bad weather, other people’s actions, or a job we might despise but are stuck with. But what if I told you that, according to Stoic philosophy, there are only a few things in life that truly belong to us? Let’s dive into Epictetus’ wisdom and see how we can apply it to everyday challenges. Epictetus’ Wisdom on Control  The Three Things Under Our Control Epictetus with his crippled leg.  When it comes to what we can control, I like to think of it in three simple categories: 1. What You Believe: Your thoughts, opinions, and judgments about the world and events. 2. What You Love or Hate: Your desires, attractions, and impulses—what you are emotionally drawn to or repelled by. 3. What You Are Attracted to or Avoid: Your preferences and inclinations—what you seek out or try to steer clear of. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? But how does ...

 When someone asked me, “If you knew you had only a year left, would you change anything about how you’re living now?” my first instinct was to think, “I’d work less, or maybe not at all. I’d make sure my wife was taken care of, and I’d be ready to go. I’d walk on the beach every day…” But then I paused and reconsidered. I thought, “Hold on a minute. Would I really do anything differently?” After reflecting, I realized that I wouldn’t change a thing. If we live a life of virtue in adherence with our core values, we align ourselves with a sense of purpose that transcends fleeting desires and external circumstances. Every decision we make, every action we take, becomes a reflection of the principles that guide us.  This consistency not only brings inner peace and fulfillment but also creates a ripple effect, positively influencing those around us. In living this way, we find that even in the face of challenges or the uncertainty of what lies ahead, we remain grounded and unshake...

Navigating the Golden Years: The Endless Journey of Relationships with Adult Children Life doesn’t come with an instruction manual, especially when it comes to relationships with our adult children. But one thing is certain: there’s no definitive end point in understanding and growing within these connections. It’s an ongoing journey, an adventure where both we and our children evolve, learning and adapting as we go. Embracing the Ever-Changing Dynamics Our relationships with adult children are dynamic, ever-changing, and reciprocal. As we grow, so do they, creating a continuous cycle of mutual growth and understanding. Every experience adds another layer of depth, making our connections richer and more meaningful. Embracing this ongoing evolution helps us appreciate the fluid nature of our relationships and the lifelong journey we share. Key Philosophical Insights into Our Relationships To help navigate these relationships, it’s useful to explore different philosophical perspectives. ...

  Welcome to The Stoic’s Journal: A Journey of Wisdom and Reflection Welcome to "The Stoic’s Journal"! I’m thrilled to have you here as I embark on this new journey of sharing wisdom, reflection, and philosophical exploration. My name is Andrew Wells, and I’ve written several books about Stoicism, a philosophy that has profoundly shaped my approach to life. As an author, I’ve delved deep into the timeless teachings of Stoic thinkers, and now, through this blog, I’m excited to share those insights with you. Why start "The Stoic’s Journal"? Well, my passion for Stoicism runs deep. It’s not just a philosophy; it’s a way of life that has influenced how I think, write, and navigate the challenges of existence. I’ve found immense value in applying Stoic principles to everyday situations, and this blog extends that value to others. Whether you’re new to Stoicism or a seasoned practitioner, I hope this space becomes a source of inspiration and thoughtful reflection. So, wha...