How I Started Dabbling in Stoicism Stuff
Honestly? My life felt like a washing machine stuck on spin cycle. Crazy work deadlines, family stuff blowing up left and right, constant noise from screens… you know the drill. Felt stuck reacting to everything, never really steering. Saw this dusty old book on “virtues” at the thrift store – cost me less than a coffee. Figured, what the heck, why not flip through it? That’s how I stumbled onto this thing called Stoicism and its four “cardinal virtues.” Sounded kinda lofty, but I was desperate enough to poke at it.
My First Try: Stuff Just Got REAL
Didn’t dive deep into philosophy lectures. Nah, I just decided to pick one thing each day where I could practice being a tiny bit more… sensible? Wise? Didn’t aim for sainthood. For instance:
- Wisdom: Got stuck arguing with my partner about chores (stupid, I know). Instead of doubling down on why I was “right,” I paused. Took one breath. Said, “Okay, maybe loading the dishwasher THAT way is actually more efficient.” Yeah, my ego squeaked a bit.
- Courage: Huge deadline looming, plus a friend needed help moving. Normally I’d ditch the friend, stress myself sick over work. This time? Told my boss straight: “Need 3 hours Saturday morning for a friend. I’ll catch up Sunday.” My voice shook, man. Boss just nodded. Done. Felt lighter instantly.
- Justice: Saw my coworker totally screw up a presentation. Old me would’ve smirked or avoided her. Tried the Stoic thing. Walked over, said quietly, “That happened to me once. Coffee later? I’ve got some slides that might help.” Didn’t cost me much. Her relief? Worth it.
- Moderation: Oh, this one hurt. Endless scrolling, binge-watching… dopamine junkie stuff. Put my phone in another room one evening. Just sat. Did sweet nothing. Felt itchy, bored. Then… weirdly peaceful. Read a paper book? Yeah. Wild.
Did it Magically Fix Everything?
Nope. Not even close. Still messed up plenty. Flipped my lid in traffic last Tuesday. But here’s the key change: I started noticing WHEN I was about to be an idiot. Like spotting a wave coming. Sometimes I still got dunked. But other times? That tiny pause kicked in. Didn’t mean burying feelings. Meant catching them sooner, choosing my splash instead of drowning.
What Really Stuck With Me
This Stoic virtue stuff ain’t about being perfect. It’s tools. Like finding decent pliers instead of trying to twist pipes with your teeth. Used to feel the world was happening TO me. Now? Feels more like I’ve got some rusty tools to actually bend a bit of it, starting with my own reactions. Less drowning, more clumsy paddling. And heck, paddling feels better. Not preaching, just saying… these old ideas actually hold some water. Start stupid small. Drop philosophy, pick action. You might surprise yourself.
