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You know that feeling? The one that hits you hard every January, full of possibilities and fresh resolutions? It’s like you’ve climbed to the top of your own personal mountain, and from that towering height, you’re looking out over the vast landscape of your year ahead, ready to conquer it. You had big plans, bold intentions. You were going to redefine yourself, make this year the year.

This was going to be it. A dry January. No more late night drinks or empty calories. Instead, there would be rigorous workouts, healthy meals, and a neatly tidied desk that beams, “I’ve got my life together!” You would dust off that guitar collecting cobwebs in the corner, or maybe even muster the strength to kick that smoking habit once and for all.

So, what happened?

Life. Life happened, as it always does. You caught that nasty bug going around (thanks, kids!) Work spiraled out of control, deadlines loomed, and crazy news headlines flared up anxiety like a wildfire. You blinked, and suddenly, the month was done. You found yourself tumbling back into the same patterns, the familiar comfy cocoon of who you used to be, which Marcus Aurelius might have described as being “mauled and degraded” by life itself. Sound familiar?

But, it’s ok. It happens to all of us.

Stoicism and Acceptance

Stoicism isn’t about achieving a state of unwavering perfection. It teaches us that life will throw us curveballs, often right when we’re gearing up for our big change. Things will get in the way, unexpected challenges, fatigue, the weight of the accumulated “stuff” around us. We won’t always follow through on our best intentions, and that’s a truth we can’t ignore.

But what if we didn’t just shrug our shoulders and accept defeat or mediocrity? What if we carved out a space for resilience, insisting on growth even when the world seems to be crumbling around us? This is where the heart of Stoic philosophy comes alive: the drive to push back against chaos.

When confronted with the inevitable chaos of our lives, Marcus Aurelius has a go to: return to yourself. Get back into the rhythm of who you aim to be. It’s not about perfectly sticking to your plans; it’s about initiating a deliberate intervention in your own life.

The Call to Action

So how do we cultivate this resilience? It starts with recognising that setbacks are part of the journey. Instead of feeling defeated, learn to embrace a new perspective, one that finds opportunity amidst obstacles.

1. Revisit Your Intentions: Take some time to reflect. What did you intend to change? What motivated you? Having clarity on your ‘why’ can reignite that initial spark. Sometimes a simple reminder of our core intentions can help refocus our energy.
2. Adapt and Adjust: Life isn’t rigid. If the old plans no longer fit your current reality, it’s time to adapt. Maybe a full on workout regime isn’t feasible right now, how about a brisk walk or some yoga stretches at home while your kids watch TV? Healthy eating might seem hard with a busy schedule, but prepping meals in advance can make it easier.
3. Create Small Wins: Not every victory needs to be monumental. Start small. Maybe that means picking up your guitar for just five minutes, or swapping one pack of cigarettes with an alternative you find less harmful. Celebrate these wins, regardless of size, as they help build momentum.
4. Reconnect with Your Rhythm: Through the noise and chaos, finding your rhythm means carving out sacred time for yourself. Schedule quiet moments, even if it’s just five minutes in your day to breathe, reflect, or meditate. Remember, re-centering yourself is a key part of the Stoic practice.
5. Community and Connection: Engage with friends, family, or communities that share your goals. Share your struggles and successes, and don’t be shy about asking for support. Remember, resilience often flourishes with help from others.
6. Shift Your Mindset: Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, see them as opportunities to learn and evolve. Every detour has something to teach us; embrace the lessons, however uncomfortable.

Life Meets Philosophy

The beauty of Stoicism, at its core, is its practicality. It transcends mere theory, it becomes a living, breathing part of your everyday existence. It acknowledges the messiness of life and pushes you toward a state of reflection and action.

Think back to your January dreams. If you’re feeling a little deflated, that’s a natural response to life’s distractions. But let it be an invitation to peel back the layers and confront what’s been holding you back. Consider that the life you live today might not match your aspirations, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. In fact, it could be the beginning of a brand new chapter.

Moving Forward

By returning to your core intentions and re-establishing that vital rhythm of life, you start taking back control. No, you won’t hit every mark or achieve every goal, but you can choose to keep moving and make strides in your own unique way.

Each time you find yourself distracted or overwhelmed, remind yourself that resilience is about progress, not perfection. It’s about continuously circling back to what matters, your health, your passions, your dreams.

As this year unfolds, be kind to yourself. Let that January energy propel you forward; when things get tough, revert and don’t lose the beat. Have those big plans for the year and follow through where you can, understanding that the beauty lies not in flawless execution but in the courage to keep trying, keep returning to yourself even when life gets in the way.

In the end, it’s not the grand overhaul that paves the path for a fulfilling life; rather, it’s the small, persistent steps taken on a daily basis. Embrace your journey, flaws and all, and remember: it’s perfectly acceptable to not be perfect. You just have to keep getting after it, one day at a time.