Blink:

Due to personal medical reasons, mental resilience has been my favorite “subject du jour” this summer. Specifically, since I have been studying the ancient Greek philosophy stoicism to refresh my perspective on being resilient. Below are my current thoughts regarding the stoic mindset.

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One of the pillars of stoicism is understanding the dichotomy of control – there are variables we can control; there are variables we cannot control. In addition, for those variables we cannot control which cross our path, we are challenged to make the best of them, maintain a clear unemotional rationale head (level). Stoics philosophers tell us “Accept the fact that all events occur for a reason, and that it is within our capacity to see this reason as positive.” This stoic train of thought is known as Amor Fati. We accept what happens to us, after understanding that certain things particularly bad things (a.k.a. adversity), are outside our control, we are left with facing the situation we are experiencing with fortitude, a reason to be positive.”

Deep! Candidly, I do not totally subscribe to the concept of Amor Fati (a.k.a. fate). 1.) I like establishing priorities to remain positive. However, I am realistic some negative situations we experience are a direct result of poor choices/decisions (e.g., relationships, career, bad habits, etc.). Take responsibility! Key is to learn and focus every day as we strive for self-improvement on the variables, we can control to minimize future negative experiences; and 2.) I am realistic bad things will happen, but do not always accept them since I believe this thought process has led many people to adaptive, complacent behavior regarding adversity. You know these people. They are the ones who shrug their shoulders and remind us “it is, what it is.”

Opens Welcomed!