My Stoic Thoughts: Day 1 of Stoic Week 2019

Stoic Week 2019

Monday, October 7th, 2019

Theme:  Progress

Reflecting on this morning’s meditation:

Every day provides us with the opportunity to make progress in virtue and movement toward happiness, freedom from passions, and serenity.  So long as we make progress toward virtue, no matter how small, the day was worth it, and was not in vain. Even if you can’t do the things you hoped to do, so long as you practice virtue, you make progress and are “successful.”  You cannot fail to lead a happy, free, serene life if you pursue virtue throughout every day and every chance you get, even if they are obstacles. Is is not what you do, but how you do it (as in practicing the virtues) that truly matters.

Reflecting on the Midday exercises:

I myself made a list of the things I could do both short term and long term for myself, others (including family and community), and the world.  What struck me the most was today I was presented with an opportunity to help my fellow veteran caregivers and their families. A friend messaged me this morning with an application to become a Dole Fellow through the Elizabeth Dole Foundation which advocates for veteran and military families and caregivers.  I’ve known many people who have applied or become fellows themselves and always shied away from this opportunity to serve my community, believing there were others more capable to qualified than I. After reading this midday’s exercise I have determined to at least apply to become a fellow to better serve my caregiving community, drawing on the gifts, skills, and knowledge that are part of my nature as Heather and human being.

Reflecting on the Evening Meditations:

I’m skipping a bit ahead as I know my evening will be busy, though I do tend to reflect on it more later.  This evening asks us to think about our friends behaviors which exemplify taking good care of yourself, others, and the world.  I’ll be honest with you, I prefer to think in more abstract qualities like honest, kind, etc. But today I also think of my friend who sent me the application to become a Dole Fellow as I attempt to care for others as she did as a Fellow Alumni and what kind of qualities it will take to be a Fellow representative of my state.

FYI: It is my intention to share my Stoic thoughts via blog during Stoic week, however, I cannot be sure I will get to every day. Thanks for reading!