If there’s one thing I’ve realized over the years, it’s that I have a tendency to get riled up. Whether it’s work stress, family challenges, or just life throwing curveballs, I often find myself reacting in ways that feel far from calm. It wasn’t always this way. When I first got out of prison, I had a peace about me—a stillness that made me feel grounded. Somewhere along the way, I lost that, and now I’m on a mission to get it back.
I’ve been reflecting on why I’ve become more reactive, and I think overstimulation plays a big role. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. But I’ve come to realize that reacting emotionally to every situation isn’t sustainable. It’s exhausting, and it often leaves me feeling worse than the situation itself ever did.
So, I’ve decided to embrace stoicism. For me, that means focusing on staying calm and steady, even when life feels overwhelming. It’s not about suppressing my emotions—it’s about learning to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. It’s about finding peace in the midst of chaos.
Here’s how I’m starting my journey to become more stoic:
- Practicing mindfulness. I’m learning to pause before reacting, taking a deep breath and grounding myself in the moment. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference.
- Reframing challenges. Instead of seeing obstacles as frustrations, I’m trying to view them as opportunities to grow and practice patience.
- Embracing gratitude. Focusing on what I’m thankful for helps put things in perspective and makes the tough moments feel a little lighter.
- Learning from others. I’ve been reading about stoicism and studying how others cultivate calmness in their lives. There’s so much wisdom to draw from.
- Tracking my progress. I plan to share my journey here, reflecting on what works, what doesn’t, and the lessons I learn along the way.
I know this isn’t going to be an overnight transformation. Staying calm doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’m committed to working on it. I want to feel grounded again, to respond to life with thoughtfulness and clarity instead of frustration and overwhelm. If you’ve been feeling the same way, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let’s learn to find peace in the chaos together.