According to the Stoics, true happiness comes from within and cannot be found in external things like wealth, fame, or power. Sure, these things might give us temporary satisfaction, but they soon make way for fear of losing them.
Instead, happiness comes from living in accordance with nature and accepting what we cannot change. This means focusing on the things we can control, like our own attitudes and actions towards things, and letting go of the things we can't control, like the past or other people's behavior.
Here are three ways you can practice gratitude and make the simple moments more fulfilling over the next two-weeks:
-Reflect daily on the things you are grateful for. This can be done through journaling, meditation, or simply taking a few moments each day to silently acknowledge the things that bring joy and contentment to your life. Tell those closest to you why you are grateful for them.
-Cultivate a sense of awe and wonder of the world around you. This means taking the time to appreciate the beauty of nature and the small pleasures of everyday life. For the Stoics, this is not just a feeling, but a way of looking at the world that helps them find joy and contentment in the present moment. Take stock of your surroundings as if you were an infant, seeing them for the very first time.
-Reflect on challenges. At the end of the year, the Stoics practiced gratitude by reflecting on the challenges and difficulties they have faced over the past 12 months. Rather than dwelling any negative experiences, try to find the lessons and growth opportunities in these experiences. This will help you to let go of grudges and resentment, and to focus on the good things that are still present in your life.
By practicing gratitude at the end of the year, you are committing to letting go of the past and focusing on the present, finding joy and peace of mind in the things and people already in your life.