Monday reflections
Monday; perhaps the most mundane, widely hated day of the week. Yet today is a special Monday, as it marks the beginning of my weekly stoic journey. I look to tackle this process with both optimism and enthusiasm, although I must confess, a speck of scepticism does exist within me. Will I actually notice a change in my day to day life by ‘living stoic’? That question I hope to answer by the end of this week.
My morning started a drag as usual. Separating my half-unconscious self from my bed is perhaps one of the most difficult, mentally straining tasks of the day. However, I remininded myself of the importance of discipline, and education in stoicism, and decided it be better if I were not late to school.
Since the handbook’s aim for Monday is to “reflect on the good qulaities and ways of life of the people who mean most to us.” I’d like to share a couple traits I look up to in my mother. My mum is by far the most hard-working, caring person I know. She works full time, and not only cares for me, but other members of the family, notably my grandparents. The initiative she takes to improve the quality of life for us, even sometimes, at her own cost, is something I admire a lot. Her selfless way of caring for others, is something that can link in with the stoic perception of the ‘good life’, where by helping others, you yourself will find happiness in doing so.
My goal following today is I hope to display qualities I admire in others. Although I am not entirely convinced this journey will change my outlook on life in any way, I will endeavour to practise stoicism to the best of my ability and knowledge. So, when I missed my train home, because the teacher I needed to sign my subject form was nowhere to be found, I suppressed my frustrations, and instead realised the situation was out of my control.
