Think Curiously

"If—" is a poem by English Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling, written circa 1895 as a tribute to Leander Starr Jameson. It is a literary example of Victorian-era stoicism. The poem, first published in Rewards and Fairies, ch. 'Brother Square-Toes,' is written in the form of paternal advice to the poet's son, John.

In this interlude episode I break down the poem and discuss my understanding of it's most poignant take home messages. 

“Today is a new day. Don't let your history interfere with your destiny! Let today be the day you stop being a victim of your circumstances and start taking action towards the life you want. You have the power and the time to shape your life. Break free from the poisonous victim mentality and embrace the truth of your greatness. You were not meant for a mundane or mediocre life!”
― Steve Maraboli
This week we introduce Diogenes the fifth leader of the Stoa as well as delving into my journal articles from the previous week. One journal entry in particular, although not predetermined,  centred around the no victim mentality and as such I attempt to explore and explain my thoughts, emotions and actions.

It's fair to say that we all engage in reflection on a daily, even hourly basis, mostly on a subconscious level. But how many of us have ever looked directly at our core and asked questions of ourselves that bare the truths of who we are. Rich Powell is an English Soccer Coach living and working in America and someone who, in recent years, has engaged in some very deep level reflections which has lead him to speaking about his own Mental Health on this Podcast Episode.

Self control is a difficult thing. Once you understand that indulging might actually be worse then resisting, the urge begins to lose it's appeal. In this way, self control becomes the real pleasure, and the temptation becomes the regret.

This week I discuss how my reflections and journaling have helped me become aware that the pleasures that I chase, when given too much focus can become punishment. I also introduce Zeno of Tarsus as we continue our insight into the main characters of the Stoic Philosophy.

At 91, Robbie Haire has the motivation and vigour of a 20 year old! As we all navigate our way through the current restrictions and lockdowns, Robbie has lived through the restrictions of World War 2. He tells the story of pulling the blackout blinds closed at night to ward off the German Bombers, he speaks about his experiences of living through the troubles in Northern Ireland, how he found love, and what has motivated him at 91 to release his first ever music album.

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A central tenant of Stoicism is knowing what you can control, what you can't control and having the ability (or serenity) to know the difference. In respect to fear, if fear is linked to uncontrollables, then the Stoics would ask " is there any need to allow that emotion to control you"

This week we introduce Chrysippus, the third leader of the Stoa, we speak about his life and character as well as taking a look into my personal journal articles as we ask, What do you fear? 

 This week I am joined by Chrissy Devine as he recounts the past 8 years of his life. Eight years that have included depression, a suicide attempt, the loss of his father, the loss of his closet friend and most recently loosing his unborn child. Chrissy speaks openly and honestly about his story in the hope that others may feel inspired to share theirs. 

'Thick and thran' is an expression used to describe someone who is stubborn, stuck in their ways, they don't take direction, they don't listen to others and ultimately they have a temper- a bad temper. This week I explore Temper with the help of Marcus Aurelius and others plus we meet the provocative, Aristo , as we explore his character and touch briefly on his life story.

From secondary school, through University and into adulthood, Darran has learnt to live with his Anxiety. Not to be held prisoner by it, Darran, leads a face paced and productive lifestyle as a businessman and owner of two companies, host of the MiND Podcast, content creator and host of Changemakers NI, as a father to two young boys and so much more. Darran's story is one of acceptance, perseverance and an insatiable attitude towards growth and development .

Check out the MiND Podcast below:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6M8mGjrlsVll47HWTNxbD6?si=u8Hnz1grTwGbWeVWgU9_NA

I've never an early riser, I much preferred to pull the blanket back over and curl up into a ball after putting the alarm on snooze. But the past 7 days have been different, I've managed to shake that love affair with the snooze button and have implemented a new morning routine. I credit, The Daily Stoic Journal, for my new found vigour, it has also shown me the value in writing down my thoughts and feelings. This week I focus on one situation that I found myself in and relay my corresponding journal entry.