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137 – Worthy of Your Potential

May 25, 2018 by Erick

“Tentative efforts lead to tentative outcomes. Therefore, give yourself fully to your endeavors. Decide to construct your character through excellent actions and determine to pay the price of a worthy goal. The trials you encounter will introduce you to your strengths. Remain steadfast…and one day you will build something that endures: something worthy of your … [Read more…]

Posted in: Awareness, Challenges, Coffee Break, stoicism Tagged: challenges, potential, self awareness, stoic, stoicism, work

136 – The Scent of a Good Man

May 24, 2018 by Erick

“The honest and good man ought to be exactly like a man who smells strong, so that the bystander, as soon as he comes near him, must smell him whether he chooses or not.” ― Marcus Aurelius Show Notes: This quote cracked me up. And even though Marcus Aurelius was the Emperor of Rome, I … [Read more…]

Posted in: Awareness, Coffee Break, stoicism Tagged: character, impressions, stoic, stoicism

134 – A Wise Man

May 22, 2018 by Erick

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. ” ― Epictetus Show Notes: If you were to sit down and write a list of all the things that you want in your life, what would be on that list? Maybe … [Read more…]

Posted in: Awareness, Coffee Break, stoicism, Tranquility Tagged: contentment, desire, happiness, stoic, stoicism

133 – A Momentary Loss of Attention

May 21, 2018 by Erick

“Very little is needed for everything to be upset and ruined, only a slight lapse in reason. it’s much easier for a mariner to wreck his ship than it is for him to keep it sailing safely; all he has to do is head a little more upwind and disaster is instantaneous. In fact, he … [Read more…]

Posted in: Awareness, Challenges, Coffee Break, Control, stoicism Tagged: attention, daily practice, principles, stoic, stoicism

132 – Anything Can Happen

May 20, 2018 by Erick

“How ridiculous and unrealistic is the man who is astonished at anything that happens in life.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Book 12 Show Notes: – How often do we think that something in life shouldn’t happen to us? – As if we are somehow immune to the things that happen to anyone else in life. … [Read more…]

Posted in: Challenges, Circumstances, Coffee Break, Fate, stoicism Tagged: challenges, fate, life, stoic, stoicism

131 – Say What You Mean

May 19, 2018 by Erick

“First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.” ― Epictetus Show Notes: – Have you ever been around someone that uses words they don’t understand? – How many times have you said something, then had to say, “Well, what I really meant was….”? – What if we took time to make sure … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break, stoicism, Tranquility Tagged: silence, speak, stoic, stoicism, think

130 – Suffering Before It’s Time

May 18, 2018 by Erick

“He suffers more than necessary, who suffers before it is necessary.” ― Seneca Show Notes: How often have you stressed over something or worried yourself sick, only to have the scenario you were so worried about never happen? When you worry about something, and you let your imagination run with something, then you suffer many … [Read more…]

Posted in: Circumstances, Coffee Break, Fate, stoicism Tagged: outcomes, process, stoic, stoicism, stress, worry

129 – Opinions and Perspective

May 17, 2018 by Erick

“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ― Marcus Aurelius Show Notes: – So many things in our lives that we experience and accept to be “true” is simply a matter of perception. – Often we make the mistake of thinking that just because … [Read more…]

Posted in: Awareness, Coffee Break, Opinion, stoicism Tagged: opinion, perception, perspective, reality, stoic, stoicism, truth

128 – Good Luck, Bad Luck, Who Knows?

May 16, 2018 by Erick

  “Man is affected, not by events, but by the view he takes of them.” — Epictetus Show Notes: • Human beings are creatures that love good stories. Stories are the things that we use to make sense of the things in the world. • Myths, such as the Greek and Roman or even Norse … [Read more…]

Posted in: Challenges, Circumstances, Coffee Break, Fate, stoicism Tagged: events, life, luck, stoic, stoicism

127 – Laugh in The Face Of Evil

May 15, 2018 by Erick

  “If evil be said of thee, and if it be true, correct thyself; if it be a lie, laugh at it.” ― Epictetus Show Notes: When I read this quote the first thing that came to mind was “I laugh in the face of evil!” 🙂 How often do we get upset at what … [Read more…]

Posted in: Awareness, Coffee Break, Opinion Tagged: gossip, opinions, others, self awareness, stoic, stoicism

126 – Admonition

May 14, 2018 by Erick

“To admonish is better than to reproach for admonition is mild and friendly, but reproach is harsh and insulting; and admonition corrects those who are doing wrong, but reproach only convicts them.” ― Epictetus Show Notes: Stoics believe that we can only control ourselves. But also believe that we are here to help others. As … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break, Opinion Tagged: constructive feedback, criticism, stoic, stoicism

125 – Little By Little

May 13, 2018 by Erick

“Well-being is attained little by little, and nevertheless is no little thing itself.” ― Zeno of Citium Show Notes: • Zeno of Citium was the original founder of the Stoic school of philosophy. • Not much of his writing survived, which is why he is not quoted very often when it comes to Stoic philosophy. … [Read more…]

Posted in: Awareness, Challenges, Coffee Break Tagged: daily practice, goals, progress, stoic, stoicism

124 – Stuff

May 12, 2018 by Erick

“Until we have begun to go without them, we fail to realize how unnecessary many things are. We’ve been using them not because we needed them but because we had them.” ― Seneca Transcript: Hello friends, welcome to the Stoic Coffee Break. Today’s episode…Stuff “Until we have begun to go without them, we fail to … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break, Tranquility Tagged: materialism, possessions, stoic, stoicism, stuff

123 – A Different Person

May 11, 2018 by Erick

“If you really want to escape the things that harass you, what you’re needing is not to be in a different place but to be a different person.” ― Seneca Show Notes: • How often do we wish the world would change for us? • How often do we think that we can run from … [Read more…]

Posted in: Awareness, Circumstances, Coffee Break, Control Tagged: change, circumstances, happiness, stoic, stoicism

122 – Contagious Thoughts

May 10, 2018 by Erick

“Other people’s views and troubles can be contagious. Don’t sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others.” ― Epictetus Show Notes: – It’s important to be careful about the ideas we entertain. – Because the ideas we hold determine who we are – How we show up in the world … [Read more…]

Posted in: Awareness, Coffee Break Tagged: awareness, critical thinking, stoic, stoicism, thoughts

121 – Anger If Not Restrained…

May 9, 2018 by Erick

“Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.” ― Seneca Show Notes • Today’s topic is one that is a bit personal to me. It’s something that I struggle with at times. • I’ll get upset about something, and because I let anger get the best of … [Read more…]

Posted in: Anger, Awareness, Coffee Break, Control Tagged: anger, self awareness, stoic, stoicism

120 – Are You Lucky?

May 8, 2018 by Erick

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” ― Seneca Show Notes: – Are you a lucky person? – The Stoics understood that most things in life are out of our control. – The reason that they stress that ideas so much, that we try so hard to control things around us. – Trying to … [Read more…]

Posted in: Challenges, Coffee Break, Control, Fate Tagged: chance, fate, luck, preparation, stoic, stoicism

118 – Contentment and Desire

May 6, 2018 by Erick

“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break, Tranquility Tagged: contentment, desire, happiness, stoic, stoicism

117 – Do Good of Your Own Accord

May 5, 2018 by Erick

“Even as the Sun does not wait for prayers and incantations to rise, but shines forth and is welcomed by all: so should you not wait for clapping of hands and shouts and praise to do your duty; nay, do good of your own accord, and you will be loved like the Sun.” ― Epictetus … [Read more…]

Posted in: Awareness, Coffee Break, Opinion Tagged: doing good, opinions, others, self awareness, stoic, stoicism

116 – A Good Tale

May 4, 2018 by Erick

“As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.” ― Seneca Transcript We live in a time where the average lifespan is almost double what it was 200 years ago. Advances in medicine, sanitation, and agriculture have made it possible for more people to live … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break, Tranquility Tagged: death, momento mori, self awareness, stoic, stoicism

114 – Find Your Tribe

May 2, 2018 by Erick

“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” — Epictetus Transcript Have you found your tribe? Have you found that group of people that are your “chosen” family, who just make you feel good? Where you feel like you are accepted and understood? Where you don’t feel … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break, Love Tagged: coffee break, friends, partners, people, stoic, tribe

106 – Never Beginning To Live

April 24, 2018 by Erick

  “It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” ― Marcus Aurelius   Photo by Clark Tibbs on Unsplash

Posted in: Challenges, Coffee Break Tagged: death, fear, life, live, stoic

105 – Bring Pain To Your Enemy

April 23, 2018 by Erick

“Epictetus being asked how a man should give pain to his enemy answered, By preparing himself to live the best life that he can.” — Marcus Aurelius Photo by Fervent Jan on Unsplash

Posted in: Challenges, Coffee Break, Control Tagged: coffee break, control, fear, living, stoic

104 – The Greater The Difficulty

April 22, 2018 by Erick

“The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.” ― Epictetus

Posted in: Challenges, Coffee Break Tagged: challenges, coffee break, stoic

103 – With All Your Heart

April 21, 2018 by Erick

“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.” ― Marcus Aurelius   Photo by Brittney Burnett on Unsplash

Posted in: Coffee Break, Love Tagged: coffee break, fate, love, stoic

102 – As You See Yourself

April 20, 2018 by Erick

“It is unrealistic to expect people to see you as you see yourself.” ― Epictetus Photo by Joanna Nix on Unsplash

Posted in: Awareness, Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, self awareness, stoic

101 – Mindless Pap

April 19, 2018 by Erick

“Most of what passes for legitimate entertainment is inferior or foolish and only caters to or exploits people’s weaknesses. Avoid being one of the mob who indulges in such pastimes. Your life is too short and you have important things to do. Be discriminating about what images and ideas you permit into your mind. If … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic, thinking, time

100 – Life On Your Own Terms

April 18, 2018 by Erick

  “Do not try to seem wise to others. If you want to live a wise life, live it on your own terms and in your own eyes.” ― Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break, Control Tagged: coffee break, path, stoic

98 – Finding Fault

April 16, 2018 by Erick

“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?” — Marcus Aurelius

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, compassion, fault, reflection, stoic

97 – Only Educated Are Free

April 15, 2018 by Erick

“We must not believe the many, who say that only free people ought to be educated, but we should rather believe the philosophers who say that only the educated are free.” — Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, education, freedom, stoic

96 – Caretake This Moment

April 14, 2018 by Erick

“Caretake this moment. Immerse yourself in its particulars. Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed. Quit the evasions. Stop giving yourself needless trouble. It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now. You are not some disinterested bystander. Participate. Exert yourself.” ― Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

95 – Imagined Anxieties

April 13, 2018 by Erick

“Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems.” ― Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

94 – Learn to Think Better

April 12, 2018 by Erick

“Don’t just say you have read books. Show that through them you have learned to think better, to be a more discriminating and reflective person. Books are the training weights of the mind. They are very helpful, but it would be a bad mistake to suppose that one has made progress simply by having internalized … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

93 – The Minds of Others

April 11, 2018 by Erick

“Accustom yourself to attend carefully to what is said by another, and as much as it is possible, try to inhabit the speaker’s mind.” — Marcus Aurelius

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

92 – Out of Tune

April 10, 2018 by Erick

“When you have been compelled by circumstances to be disturbed in a manner, quickly return to yourself and do not continue out of tune longer than the compulsion lasts.” — Marcus Aurelius

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

91 – And Yet Happy

April 9, 2018 by Erick

“Sick and yet happy, in peril and yet happy, dying and yet happy, in exile and happy, in disgrace and happy.” — Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

90 – Misfortune as Good Fortune

April 8, 2018 by Erick

“Remember, too, on every occasion that leads you to vexation to apply this principle: not that this is a misfortune, but that to bear it nobly is good fortune.” — Marcus Aurelius

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

89 – Misfortune Is No Excuse

April 7, 2018 by Erick

“So does this misfortune prevent you in any way from being just, generous, sober, reasonable, careful, free from error, courteous, free, etc. – all of which together make human nature complete?” — Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

88 – Lose Your Nose

April 6, 2018 by Erick

“If money is your only standard, then consider that, by your lights, someone who loses their nose does not suffer any harm.“ — Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

87 – Process vs. Outcome

April 5, 2018 by Erick

“Show me one person who cares how they act, someone for whom success is less important than the manner in which it is achieved. While out walking, who gives any thought to the act of walking itself? Who pays attention to the process of planning, not just the outcome?” — Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

86 – Overlook Many Things

April 4, 2018 by Erick

“Let us overlook many things in those who are like opponents in the gymnasium. For, as I have said before, it is in our power to get out of the way and to have no suspicion or hatred.” — Marcus Aurelius

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

85 – Everything is Only for a Day

April 3, 2018 by Erick

“Everything is only for a day, both that which remembers and that which is remembered.” — Marcus Aurelius

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

84 – Logic and Empathy

April 2, 2018 by Erick

“When somebody’s wife or child dies, to a man we all routinely say, ‘Well, that’s part of life.’ But if one of our own family is involved, then right away it’s ‘Poor, poor me!’ We would do better to remember how we react when a similar loss afflicts others.” — Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

83 – The Beginning of Philosophy

April 1, 2018 by Erick

“This, then, is the beginning of philosophy – an awareness of one’s own mental fitness.” — Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

82 – Radical Responsiblity

March 31, 2018 by Erick

“We are responsible for some things, while there are others for which we cannot be held responsible.” — Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

81 – Impressions and Assent of the Will

March 30, 2018 by Erick

“Impressions, striking a person’s mind as soon as he perceives something within range of his senses, are not voluntary or subject to his will, they impose themselves on people’s attention almost with a will of their own. But the act of assent which endorses these impressions is voluntary and a function of the human will.” … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

80 – Bad Neighbor

March 29, 2018 by Erick

“I have a bad neighbour – bad, that is, for himself. For me, though, he is good: he exercises my powers of fairness and sociability. “ — Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

79 – Accept the Inevitable

March 28, 2018 by Erick

“If we try to adapt our mind to the regular sequence of changes and accept the inevitable with good grace, our life will proceed quite smoothly and harmoniously.” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

78 – Deprived of the truth

March 27, 2018 by Erick

“[Treat] unenlightened souls with sympathy and indulgence, remembering that they are ignorant or mistaken about what’s most important. Never be harsh, remember Plato’s dictum: ‘Every soul is deprived of the truth against its will.’“ — Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

77 – Habits

March 26, 2018 by Erick

“If you like doing something, do it regularly; if you don’t like doing something, make a habit of doing something different. The same goes for moral inclinations. When you get angry, you should know that you aren’t guilty of an isolated lapse, you’ve encouraged a trend and thrown fuel on the fire.” — Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

76 – Action

March 25, 2018 by Erick

“If you didn’t learn these things in order to demonstrate them in practice, what did you learn them for?” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

75 – Be a Guide

March 24, 2018 by Erick

“When a guide meets up with someone who is lost, ordinarily his reaction is to direct him on the right path, not mock or malign him, then turn on his heel and walk away. As for you, lead someone to the truth and you will find that he can follow. But as long as you … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

74 – Being Well Received

March 23, 2018 by Erick

“Take a lyre player: he’s relaxed when he performs alone, but put him in front of an audience, and it’s a different story, no matter how beautiful his voice or how well he plays the instrument. Why? Because he not only wants to perform well, he wants to be well received – and the latter … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

73 – One Fundamental Rule

March 22, 2018 by Erick

“Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and can’t control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible.” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

72 – To What End?

March 21, 2018 by Erick

“All our efforts must be directed towards an end, or we will act in vain. If it is not the right end, we will fail utterly.” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

71 – Strong Mental Health

March 20, 2018 by Erick

“People with a strong physical constitution can tolerate extremes of hot and cold; people of strong mental health can handle anger, grief, joy and the other emotions.” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

70 – A Well Ordered Mind

March 19, 2018 by Erick

“Nothing, to my way of thinking, is a better proof of a well ordered mind than a man’s ability to stop just where he is and pass some time in his own company.” ― Seneca

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

69 – Persist and Resist

March 18, 2018 by Erick

“There are two vices much blacker and more serious than the rest: lack of persistence and lack of self-control … persist and resist.” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

68 – Apathy and Superficiality

March 17, 2018 by Erick

“So when you hear that even life and the like are indifferent, don’t become apathetic; and by the same token, when you’re advised to care about them, don’t become superficial and conceive a passion for externals.” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

67 – The Neutrality of Circumstances

March 16, 2018 by Erick

“Where does the good lie? ‘In the will.’ And evil? ‘Also in the will.’ And things neither good nor bad – ‘… lie in whatever is external to the will.’” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

66 – Change

March 15, 2018 by Erick

“Is any man afraid of change? What can take place without change? What then is more pleasing or more suitable to the universal nature? And can you take a hot bath unless the wood for the fire undergoes a change? And can you be nourished unless the food undergoes a change? And can anything else … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

65 – Self Illusion

March 14, 2018 by Erick

“What illusion about myself do I entertain?” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

64 – Who Do You Want To Be?

March 13, 2018 by Erick

“Settle on the type of person you want to be and stick to it, whether alone or in company. “ – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

63 – Giving Away Your Control

March 12, 2018 by Erick

“The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

62 – Reason (Just the Facts)

March 11, 2018 by Erick

“For what does reason purport to do? ‘Establish what is true, eliminate what is false and suspend judgement in doubtful cases.’ … What else does reason prescribe? ‘To accept the consequence of what has been admitted to be correct.’“ – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

61 – A Science to Living Well

March 10, 2018 by Erick

“What makes for freedom and fluency in the practice of writing? Knowledge of how to write. The same goes for the practice of playing an instrument. It follows that, in the conduct of life, there must be a science to living well.” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

60 – Strong Impressions

March 9, 2018 by Erick

“So make a practice at once of saying to every strong impression: ‘An impression is all you are, not the source of the impression.’ Then test and assess it with your criteria, but one primarily: ask, ‘Is this something that is, or is not, in my control?’” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

59 – Dealing with Gossip

March 8, 2018 by Erick

“If you learn that someone is speaking ill of you, don’t try to defend yourself against the rumours; respond instead with, ‘Yes, and he doesn’t know the half of it, because he could have said more.’” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

58 – Open to Change

March 7, 2018 by Erick

“If any man is able to convince me and show me that I do not think or act right, I will gladly change; for I seek the truth by which no man was ever injured. But he is injured who abides in his error and ignorance. ” – Marcus Aurelius

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

57 – Eliminating Desire

March 6, 2018 by Erick

“People to whom such things are still denied come to imagine that everything good will be theirs if only they could acquire them. Then they get them: and their longing is unchanged, their anxiety is unchanged, their disgust is no less, and they still long for whatever is lacking. Freedom is not achieved by satisfying … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

56 – Falling Short

March 5, 2018 by Erick

“Do not be disgusted, discouraged, or dissatisfied if you do not succeed in doing everything according to right principles; but when you have failed, return again, and be content if the greater part of what you do is consistent with man’s nature. “ – Marcus Aurelius

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

55 – How to Talk About Yourself

March 4, 2018 by Erick

“In your conversation, don’t dwell at excessive length on your own deeds or adventures. Just because you enjoy recounting your exploits doesn’t mean that others derive the same pleasure from hearing about them.” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

54 – Nature of Humans

March 3, 2018 by Erick

“To care for all men is according to man’s nature; and man should value the opinion only of those who openly live according to nature. ” – Marcus Aurelius

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

53 – Compassion for Your Critics

March 2, 2018 by Erick

“When someone criticizes you, they do so because they believe they are right. They can only go by their views, not yours. If their views are wrong, it is they who will suffer the consequences. Keeping this in mind, treat your critics with compassion. When you are tempted to get back at them, remind yourself, … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

52 – Contemplate

March 1, 2018 by Erick

“Acquire the contemplative way of seeing how all things change into one another, and constantly attend to it, and exercise yourself in this part of philosophy. For nothing is so well suited to produce magnanimity.” – Marcus Aurelius

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

51- Judge Precisely

February 28, 2018 by Erick

“If someone bathes quickly, don’t say he doesn’t bathe properly, say he bathes quickly. If someone drinks a lot, don’t say he is a drunk, say he drinks a lot. Unless you know their reasons for their actions how can you be sure of your negative judgment of them? Not judging others too quickly will … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

50 – No Need to Envy Others

February 27, 2018 by Erick

“When you confine yourself to only those things that are under your control, you cannot be defeated. Don’t be fooled by outward appearances. People with more prestige, power, or some other distinction are not necessarily happier because of what they have. There is no reason to be envious or jealous of anyone. If you lead … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

49 – Inner Resources

February 26, 2018 by Erick

“Remember that for every challenge you face, you have the resources within you to cope with that challenge. If you are inappropriately attracted to someone, you will find you have the resource of self-restraint. When you have pain, you have the resource of endurance. When you are insulted, you have the resource of patience. If … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

48 – Judgments

February 25, 2018 by Erick

“If you are pained by any external thing, it is not this thing that disturbs you, but your own judgment about it. And it is in your power to wipe out this judgment now.” – Marcus Aurelius

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

47 – What is Death?

February 24, 2018 by Erick

“He who fears death fears either the loss of sensation or a different kind of sensation. But if you shall have no sensation, neither will you feel any harm; and if you will acquire another kind of sensation, you will be a different kind of living being and you will not cease to live.” – … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

46 – Be Good Now

February 23, 2018 by Erick

“No longer talk at all about the kind of man that a good man ought to be, but be such.” – Marcus Aurelius

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

45 – Arguing to Stone

February 22, 2018 by Erick

“If a man objects to truths that are all too evident, it is no easy task finding arguments that will change his mind. This is proof neither of his own strength nor of his teacher’s weakness. When someone caught in an argument hardens to stone, there is just no more reasoning with them.” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

44 – A Brief Existence

February 21, 2018 by Erick

“A brief existence is common to all things, and yet you avoid and pursue all things as if they would be eternal.” – Marcus Aurelius

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

43 – Pleasure as Punishment

February 20, 2018 by Erick

“Pleasures, when they go beyond a certain limit, are but punishments.” – Seneca

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

42 – Can’t Escape Yourself

February 19, 2018 by Erick

“The man who spends his time choosing one resort after another in a hunt for peace and quiet, will in every place he visits find something to prevent him from relaxing.” – Seneca

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

41 – Perfectionism

February 18, 2018 by Erick

“We abandon our pursuits because we despair of ever perfecting them.” – Epictetus

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

40 – Miserable by Choice

February 17, 2018 by Erick

“It is essential to make oneself used to putting up with a little. Even the wealthy and the well provided are continually met and frustrated by difficult times and situations. It is in no man’s power to have whatever he wants; but he has it in his power not to wish for what he hasn’t … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

39 – Setbacks

February 16, 2018 by Erick

“A setback has often cleared the way for greater prosperity. Many things have fallen only to rise to more exalted heights.” – Seneca

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

38 – Practical Stoicism

February 15, 2018 by Erick

“My advice is really this: what we hear the philosophers saying and what we find in their writings should be applied in our pursuit of the happy life. We should hunt out the helpful pieces of teaching, and the spirited and noble-minded sayings which are capable of immediate practical application – not far-fetched or archaic … [Read more…]

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

37 – Tragedy? You Decide!

February 14, 2018 by Erick

“What else are tragedies but the ordeals of people who have come to value externals, tricked out in tragic verse?” – Epictetus

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36 – Admiration of Lunatics

February 13, 2018 by Erick

Who do you seek the approval of? There’s only one person’s approval that matters.

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

35 – Drama Llama

February 12, 2018 by Erick

Is a life with little drama boring or fulfilling?

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34 – Blame Game

February 11, 2018 by Erick

When something bad happens in your life who’s to blame?

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33 – Beginners Mind

February 11, 2018 by Erick

Let go of what you know so you can grow.

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32 – Growth Takes Time

February 9, 2018 by Erick

Learning a principle is easy. Applying it is hard. Growth takes time.

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31 – Difficulties

February 8, 2018 by Erick

Are life’s difficulties troubles to be avoided or opportunities for you to grow? It’s your choice.

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30 – Approval

February 7, 2018 by Erick

How do you balance living your true self with seek the approval of others?

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

29 – Haters

February 6, 2018 by Erick

How do you handle haters?

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28 – Journaling

February 5, 2018 by Erick

Keeping track our progress is key to creating a better life.

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

27 – Assumptions

February 4, 2018 by Erick

How do you let go of your assumptions?

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26 – The Best You

February 3, 2018 by Erick

Are you being the best version of yourself?

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

25 – Trust Your Path

February 2, 2018 by Erick

Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Trust your path.

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

24 – Difficult People

February 1, 2018 by Erick

Never assume a malice when ignorance is more likely.

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23 – Role Models

January 31, 2018 by Erick

The greatest emperor in Rome had role models. Who are yours?

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22 – Gratitude

January 30, 2018 by Erick

Can you be grateful for the challenges in your life?

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

21 – Your Judgements

January 29, 2018 by Erick

How you think about things determines how you feel about them.

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

20 – You Are Not Your Things

January 28, 2018 by Erick

You cannot lose what you do not own

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

19 – Being Stoic

January 27, 2018 by Erick

What does it mean to be a stoic?

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

18 – Being Present

January 26, 2018 by Erick

Own every second that this world can give.

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17 – Create Your Life

January 25, 2018 by Erick

Are you creating a life that is better than death?

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

16 – Amor Fati: Love your fate

January 24, 2018 by Erick

Why we should learn to love our fate.

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15 – Emotional Responsibility

January 23, 2018 by Erick

What if you could be 100% in charge of your own emotions?

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14 – Receiving Criticism

January 22, 2018 by Erick

How should a stoic receive criticism?

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13 – Boundaries

January 21, 2018 by Erick

Since we cannot control other people and have to accept them for who they are, does that mean we have to accept their bad behavior?

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

12 – Accepting Others

January 20, 2018 by Erick

“Let philosophy scrape off your own faults, rather than be a way to rail against the faults of others,” wrote Seneca. Rather wasting time trying to change others, we should learn how be more accepting of who they are.

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

11 – Reacting to Circumstances

January 19, 2018 by Erick

You can’t control what happens to you in your life, but you can control your reaction.

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

10 – Consistency

January 18, 2018 by Erick

A key factor in living a principled life is consistency. What areas of your life could be improved with a little consistency?

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

9 – Uncomfortable Truths

January 17, 2018 by Erick

What are the uncomfortable truths about yourself that you are afraid to face in your life?

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8 – Unquestioned Beliefs

January 16, 2018 by Erick

8 – Unquestioned Beliefs

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7 – Self Doubt

January 15, 2018 by Erick

Latest episode of Stoic Meditations

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6 – The Opinions of Others

January 14, 2018 by Erick

Latest episode of Stoic Meditations

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5 – Learning is the new Procrastination

January 13, 2018 by Erick

Learning is the new Procrastination

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4 – What Are You Thinking?

January 12, 2018 by Erick

4 – What Are You Thinking?

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3 – Goal Shaming

January 11, 2018 by Erick

Latest episode of Stoic Meditations

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

2 – Finding your Purpose

January 10, 2018 by Erick

What are you meant to do in the world?

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

1 – What do you Control?

January 9, 2018 by Erick

First episode. What is under your control?

Posted in: Coffee Break Tagged: coffee break, stoic

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