Practice True Joy

Navigate The Day

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Hey everyone, welcome back to Navigate the Day! I'm so excited to share today’s episode with you, where we dive into the profound wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and explore how we can practice true joy in our daily lives.
Marcus Aurelius reminds us that true joy comes from engaging in our "proper human work," which includes acts of kindness, disdain for sensory pleasures, identifying trustworthy impressions, and contemplating the natural order of things. This Stoic perspective offers a roadmap to inner fulfillment and contentment.
Reflecting on this, I realized that I've been planting seeds of negativity and self-limiting beliefs. My temper has been getting the best of me, especially in interactions with my mom. But this week, I found a moment of grace, celebrating Mother's Day with her, and it felt good to connect positively.
I've been struggling with depressive habits and isolation. My social life is almost nonexistent, and I rarely leave the house outside of work. This has been feeding into a cycle of poor mental health and decision-making. But acknowledging this is the first step toward change.
As I approach the end of my twenties, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and stuck. I haven't achieved what I thought I would by now, and it's hard to see a future worth striving for. Yet, despite these feelings, I recognize the blessings in my life: my family, my dog, and a roof over my head. Gratitude is something I need to cultivate more consciously.
In my journey to practice true joy, I've maintained some good habits like daily meditation and journaling, but I've realized I need to rekindle my nightly gratitude journaling. It’s about finding joy in small acts of kindness and gratitude, even when life feels bleak.
Marcus Aurelius teaches us that true fortune and happiness come from within, from maintaining a virtuous character and a grateful heart. I’m starting to understand that gratitude can transform how we view our circumstances and help us find joy in the present.
This week, I'm focusing on being more empathetic and grateful, especially towards my mom. I’m also working on trusting myself more and ignoring negative self-opinions. It's not about taking giant leaps, but about starting with small, consistent steps toward a more positive mindset.
Remember, true joy is a practice. We need to be patient with ourselves and the messy journey of life. So let’s embrace the small steps, practice kindness, and cultivate gratitude as we navigate each day.
Thank you for joining me on this episode of Navigate the Day. Let’s practice true joy together and make the most of today. Until next time, stay inspired and keep navigating your path with purpose!
Thank you for listening and joining me on my journey of self-discovery!
Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books

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