Mr. Darcy has been on my mind this week. Not because he’s the fantasy of so many women, but because I finally read Pride and Prejudice, and discovered something shocking (to me) about him. 

I’d always thought of Mr. Darcy as this tall, brooding, misunderstood character. The fabulously wealthy, handsome man who everyone thinks is a jerk, but secretly has a heart of gold and wants to take care of you. This is why women have been obsessed with him for hundreds of years. The strong, silent, mysterious hero. 

But that’s not who he starts out as in the book. 

Reading Pride and Prejudice reveals so much more about him, and about what it takes to change and grow. 

In this episode, I’ll share what Mr. Darcy’s transformation can teach us about:

1. how honest conversations can lead to personal transformation – for you and the person you’re speaking with.
2. why hard conversations are worth having, even when they feel risky or uncomfortable.
3. what Stoic principles and practical communication tools can help us handle conflict gracefully.

By the way – hello! I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, an American writer, communication coach, and practicing Stoic based in England.

sarahmikutel.com

Nonviolent communication tips

Last week, I gave one of the lightning talks at Stoicon 2024. The topic: How to Combat Speaking Anxiety with Stoicism.

Want to see the video? Head to my Substack 👉 Citizens of the World

Thanks for listening ❤️

sarahmikutel.com

Why do we get angry? How can we challenge our immediate reactions? And what's the best way to articulate our feelings without passive aggression or a blow-up? 

In this episode, you'll learn four Stoic tips to turn potential conflicts into opportunities for personal growth and stronger relationships.

I’m reading David Fideler’s excellent book Breakfast with Seneca, where he quotes Seneca in one of his letters: 

“If you want to escape your troubles, you don't need to be somewhere else: you need to be someone else.” 

Those searching for meaning or purpose in life might think a new place will provide answers. But a new location, a new job, a new partner doesn’t guarantee a better life or a fresh start. 

Finding purpose involves understanding your values, interests, and goals. It’s internal work that can be done anywhere.

sarahmikutel.com
Looking to live a more Stoic life? Let's chat.

Our intentions don’t always line up with our outcomes, and misunderstandings lead to anger, sadness, frustration, and conflict. In this episode, I’ll talk about intent vs impact, which is more important, and how to effectively and ethically communicate your intentions. Of course, I’ll be weaving in the timeless wisdom of the Stoics.

Hi, I’m Sarah Mikutel, your communication and mindset coach, an Enneagram 9 expat in England, and practicing Stoic.  Introverts come to me to learn to speak confidently in front of a room, online, and in social situations without becoming a sweaty, blushing mess with a stress headache.

Introvert Emergency Kit
 
Click here if you're ready to become a less anxious, more charismatic public speaker.

When it comes to public speaking, what exactly are you afraid of? 

Most people I talk to don’t explore their fears at all – and this makes them worse. 

The thought of public speaking brings up such uncomfortable feelings that they try to ignore them or stuff them down – which is why they continue to suffer from speaking anxiety, one of the most common fears in the world. 

How is an amorphous ‘fear of fear’ holding you back and keeping you quiet?  

I’m Sarah Mikutel, your communication and mindset coach. By the end of this episode, you will know:

• what you’re really afraid of when you say you don’t like public speaking – no more amorphous clouds of discomfort,
• how anxiety manifests in our mind and body and why not managing it is so harmful,
• the beliefs underlying the four different flavors of public speaking anxiety, and 
• Stoic practices you can do to let go of anxiety so you can more eloquently express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

So no more holding in what you want to say and then internally screaming when someone else voices what you’d been thinking. It’s time to start feeling more calm and confident when you speak. 

Let’s dive in. 

sarahmikutel.com

As human beings, we’re naturally inclined to take care of ourselves and our immediate family. This is the center of our circles of concern. 

As Stoics, of course, we believe we can extend our sense of care and belonging (oikeiosis) to also include our community, country, and the rest of the world.

I believe travel is one of the best ways to practice oikeiosis.

This is why I’m sharing part of an interview I did on my podcast Live Without Borders. I’m speaking with my friend Zlatina, a Bulgarian native on the expansive power of travel.

Head over to the Live Without Borders podcast to listen to the whole episode – including Zlatina’s best travel advice on her home country. 

Zlatina and I love Bulgaria so much that we’re hosting a very special travel experience for you May 15-21, 2024.

Join the waitlist ASAP.  

We’re keeping this trip very small – max 10 travelers. When you're on the waitlist, you get first priority to come and access to our early-bird rate. 

We’ll announce the full itinerary to the waitlist in the next two weeks, so register your interest in the Bulgaria trip now so you don’t miss out.

Meanwhile, you can listen to my Live Without Borders interview with Zlatina to learn more about the breathtaking sites you’ll see in Plovdiv and beyond. 

We often hear how negative self-comparisons can be, especially when it comes to social media. But what if we could use comparison as a force for good? A tool to help us grow and flourish at work and in our personal lives?  Great news, we can!

Today you’ll learn how to stop negatively comparing yourself to others and start measuring your progress in healthier and more productive ways. Plus, you’ll learn the scientific theory about why you’re actually more likable the less perfect you are.

Hi, I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to take this work deeper and radically transform your life? Let's talk. Book your call here. 

sarahmikutel.com 

Have you ever wondered why the richest countries on Earth consistently rank so high in anxiety and depression? 

Research says this is because we’re so overstimulated by instant gratification that our brains never feel satisfied and become increasingly unhappy in the quest for more. We’re literally addicted to pursuing pleasures that will never satisfy us.

The cure to this man-made misery? Self-control. 

The Stoics knew 2,300 years ago that the key to a tranquil and virtuous life lay in their ability to discipline their desires – and modern science backs this up. 

In this episode, I’ll coach you on how to master your mind so you can start experiencing more vitality and true joy on a permanent basis. Self-mastery is self-love.

Ever been cut off mid-sentence and feel a whirlwind of emotions – frustration, anger,  embarrassment? Why do we take interruptions so personally, and how can we use Stoicism to handle them with grace?

I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel, and in this episode, I dive into effective communication and mindset strategies that will help you be seen and heard. By the end, you'll be equipped to handle interruptions confidently, communicate effectively, and enjoy life with more wisdom and less anxiety.

https://sarahmikutel.com/