I really appreciated the sentiment and inspiration behind this post—it was exactly what I needed to read today. Your descriptions of savoring food and embracing life’s simple joys were especially vivid and moving. One small piece of feedback: most of the examples you gave came from a distinctly male perspective and lived experience. I found myself momentarily pulled out of the message when I read lines like adoring a female lover or putting on alcohol-free aftershave. It might be worth considering how to frame these moments in a way that feels more inclusive, especially since many of your readers, like myself, are female and really value your insights. Just a gentle thought—your voice resonates with so many, and making space for different perspectives and different readers could make it even more powerful. Thanks again for sharing this; I needed this reminder and inspiration!
I was stopping by to ask the same. I’m the only stoic I know and I’m smart enough to recognize the sentiment in the liminal space between the words, but adding in examples of the feminine view alongside the masculine or omitting either broadens the message.
I know stoicism is a male dominated philosophy online, and in many ways used incorrectly to justify bad behavior towards women. Adding in these elements could help welcome in a wider audience of both readers and the practice.
Stoicism is what it is. And that’s what makes it beautiful and universally applicable. If there is no ability to interpret and apply thusly, perhaps another choice may be the wiser one.
I’m greatly nurtured by moments of joy. Having been through many periods of the great discomfort of living with an arrhythmia, I can totally bliss out walking in the woods and savoring my heart beating in normal rhythm. The joy!
Moments of joy when my kitty joins me in my qi gong practice. She could even sense me writing this and knows it’s qi gong time!😹
This is an absolute wonderful, insightful and inspiring piece. I could read this over and over. I have learned so much from your posts, by the way. Thank you for being you!
Reading this post reminded me of being a young girl plunging from the high dive into the deep end of the pool…scary, yet invigorating and freeing as I felt the cold water encapsulate every nerve of my body. Flashback to the blood pounding in my head as I faced the depths of the pool get closer and closer. But then my arms pushing against the water while I struggled to get back to the surface. And the instant my face cleared the water and I was breathing again. I did it!
This resonates deeply. It’s easy to forget how much of life is held together by people we never applaud — the ones whose care doesn’t make headlines, but makes mornings bearable, streets walkable, hospitals functional. I love how this piece doesn’t just praise kindness, but reminds us that purpose isn’t something we chase — it’s something we embody, quietly, in each interaction.
It also made me reflect on how often the most meaningful impact we have is untraceable — a kind word, a small effort, a gesture of attentiveness that echoes in someone else’s day. There’s something profoundly hopeful in that. We’re all more powerful — and more responsible — than we realize.
Thank you for putting this into words so beautifully.
! was called a Stoic many years ago and my Father labeled me as "Socrates" and was perturbed that I was always asking why? Now, at my age, I am reading all about "Stoicism, the influences of Marcus Aurelious, Seneca, Epictetus, Aristotle, Plato, and many emperors. You have added much to this inquiry.
It's exciting to see the confirmation, learning, and inspiration of your writing. Thank you
I agree with you that it helps to see problems and obstacles not as anomalies but as opportunities. There is no feeling of accomplishment without struggle - you have to experience the shock and the fear to feel the elation of overcoming them.
Charlie Munger called it the contrast miscalculation tendency. On one hand, TV programmes has commercial breaks to create the hunger. Arcane was releasing an episode every week to keep the appetite whet. Less food, more taste. The reverse applies too.
More food, less taste. The slight imperceptible changes surrounding social media. The frog that got boiled without its awareness.
Contrast miscalculation tendency defines so much of our experiences
I really appreciated the sentiment and inspiration behind this post—it was exactly what I needed to read today. Your descriptions of savoring food and embracing life’s simple joys were especially vivid and moving. One small piece of feedback: most of the examples you gave came from a distinctly male perspective and lived experience. I found myself momentarily pulled out of the message when I read lines like adoring a female lover or putting on alcohol-free aftershave. It might be worth considering how to frame these moments in a way that feels more inclusive, especially since many of your readers, like myself, are female and really value your insights. Just a gentle thought—your voice resonates with so many, and making space for different perspectives and different readers could make it even more powerful. Thanks again for sharing this; I needed this reminder and inspiration!
Thank you for the feedback Mare. I’ll consider it 🥂
I was stopping by to ask the same. I’m the only stoic I know and I’m smart enough to recognize the sentiment in the liminal space between the words, but adding in examples of the feminine view alongside the masculine or omitting either broadens the message.
I know stoicism is a male dominated philosophy online, and in many ways used incorrectly to justify bad behavior towards women. Adding in these elements could help welcome in a wider audience of both readers and the practice.
Stoicism is what it is. And that’s what makes it beautiful and universally applicable. If there is no ability to interpret and apply thusly, perhaps another choice may be the wiser one.
I’m greatly nurtured by moments of joy. Having been through many periods of the great discomfort of living with an arrhythmia, I can totally bliss out walking in the woods and savoring my heart beating in normal rhythm. The joy!
Moments of joy when my kitty joins me in my qi gong practice. She could even sense me writing this and knows it’s qi gong time!😹
Thank you for the wise words.🙏🏻
This is an absolute wonderful, insightful and inspiring piece. I could read this over and over. I have learned so much from your posts, by the way. Thank you for being you!
Thank you for your kind words! 🥂
Reading this post reminded me of being a young girl plunging from the high dive into the deep end of the pool…scary, yet invigorating and freeing as I felt the cold water encapsulate every nerve of my body. Flashback to the blood pounding in my head as I faced the depths of the pool get closer and closer. But then my arms pushing against the water while I struggled to get back to the surface. And the instant my face cleared the water and I was breathing again. I did it!
You did it!
Haha, wow! That was so courageous of you. It’s exactly how we should live life.
I appreciate the kind words Kat.
Such a refreshingly beautiful piece. So inspiring🫶🏽
Thank you GingerAle :)🥂 4L
So inspiring.. It encourages a smile, how life should be lived.
I’m glad it made you smile :)🥂
Your words should always encourage a smile.. To all who follow their heart, is to trust in your worth. 🕊️❤️🕊️
Couldn't agree more, and stirring written. Let us enjoy the life we have to the full, instead of yearning for that which we have not.
Medical school an time to hit the beach and the club...props to this or the richness of imagination!
This resonates deeply. It’s easy to forget how much of life is held together by people we never applaud — the ones whose care doesn’t make headlines, but makes mornings bearable, streets walkable, hospitals functional. I love how this piece doesn’t just praise kindness, but reminds us that purpose isn’t something we chase — it’s something we embody, quietly, in each interaction.
It also made me reflect on how often the most meaningful impact we have is untraceable — a kind word, a small effort, a gesture of attentiveness that echoes in someone else’s day. There’s something profoundly hopeful in that. We’re all more powerful — and more responsible — than we realize.
Thank you for putting this into words so beautifully.
Thank you Pelle <3. Also, good luck with your book!
Only by our creator can we truly be thankful for the gift of life. Cherish every day.
! was called a Stoic many years ago and my Father labeled me as "Socrates" and was perturbed that I was always asking why? Now, at my age, I am reading all about "Stoicism, the influences of Marcus Aurelious, Seneca, Epictetus, Aristotle, Plato, and many emperors. You have added much to this inquiry.
It's exciting to see the confirmation, learning, and inspiration of your writing. Thank you
I agree with you that it helps to see problems and obstacles not as anomalies but as opportunities. There is no feeling of accomplishment without struggle - you have to experience the shock and the fear to feel the elation of overcoming them.
Cute post 🤩 made my day 🥹💐
I love that it did Steli <3
Charlie Munger called it the contrast miscalculation tendency. On one hand, TV programmes has commercial breaks to create the hunger. Arcane was releasing an episode every week to keep the appetite whet. Less food, more taste. The reverse applies too.
More food, less taste. The slight imperceptible changes surrounding social media. The frog that got boiled without its awareness.
Contrast miscalculation tendency defines so much of our experiences
Mmh, didn’t know they had named it. Now I understand why I’ve been liking my Spotify with ads—it’s like listening to radio all over again.
Really really love everything about what you have written. One less thing is often enough. Sacrifice gives spice to life. Less is often more.
Exactly Suz. I appreciate you for reading.
good
Verily True.