When you’re feeling stressed, anxious and overwhelmed, it’s easy to think you’re fighting this battle alone and nobody has ever felt this way.
We’ve all been there at one time or another but I’m here to tell you that a source of inspiration can be found by taking a look to antiquity. That’s right, the ancient philosophers of Greece and Rome.
While some may say that the writings from over two millennia ago have little bearing on the challenges of modern life, I beg to differ.
Many of the same things we face today were the same causes of worry, fear and anxiety of those who came before us.
Here’s a few tips that will get you thinking:
“The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.” - Marcus Aurelius
This simply means that you become what dominates your thoughts. If you find yourself gravitating toward negativity, turn away and focus on doing the positive. Avoid negative people and negativity and do things that will bring a positive influence into your life and those around you. Become a piece of art dyed with the colors of positivity and good.
“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” - Marcus Aurelius
To be happy, people are often looking for outside affirmation, acceptance and the need to fill a perceived emptiness. You have the power to make a huge difference by mastering the way you think. A happy life comes from within, not outside forces.
“Because most of what we say and do is not essential. Ask yourself at every moment, “Is this necessary?” - Marcus Aurelius
We often are blabbing away saying things that have no value and doing things that are not needed. We find things to take up time only to end up getting little done. Remove the wasted efforts from your life and you’ll find you have more time to accomplish the things that truly have value.
“We suffer more often in imagination than in reality” - Seneca
Most of our anxieties and worries are about things that never happen. When we worry, our minds still release the cortisol and stress hormones as if the event actually happened. We are in a way, punishing ourselves for things that never occur or ever will.
“Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life.” - Seneca
Every day is a new day. Don’t stress and worry about the past or stay stuck dreaming about the future. Each day is a chance to start fresh, go out, and achieve!
“The reason why we have two ears and only one mouth is that we may listen the more and talk the less.” - Zeno of Citium
In today’s society, everyone has an opinion and wants to be heard. That can be both good and bad. Social media has created a platform for more “talking”, yet it would serve all of us better to listen more and talk less.