Hi All,

Unsure of whether or not to turn this account into a throwaway....

I'm a 34M who today had several big wake up calls within about an 8 hour period--an audit at my job (in which there is a nonzero chance I fail it), my landlord deciding to raise the rent and giving me 2 months to find a roommate and all of this on top of mounting financial issues (credit card debt, back taxes); a dwindling support network (4 people--one of whom passed away unexpectedly in November; numerous health issues I've allowed to linger for years (no health insurance at the moment) and tendencies to eat and drink excessively.

I've had lifelong issues with depression and anxiety--which have improved only a little after years of medication and therapy. However, I realize something else has to change and it has to be with my own attitude and approach to life. My self-defeating behaviors have stolen so much from me and I really want to change but admittedly am a coward--in spite of all that I'm facing.

I've always admired Stoicism as a philosophy and I have an old, dusty copy of Holliday's The Obstacle is the Way....

I guess what I'm asking in this rambling post is (1). Any other solid reading recommendations and (2). Any words of support/advice from a Stoic perspective on facing down personal demons and making change?

Anything would help. Thanks.

So I (28M) got blackout drunk at a company party last week, one of my co-workers had to call my mom to come and pick me up and apparently I said some stupid stuff (don't know exactly what I said). Now I'm dreading to get back into the office because I feel incredibly ashamed and don't want to be made fun of. I don't know what to do know, I have to be back in on wednesday, any advice on how I should approach this?

We lost dad 2 years ago, and now it’s just me (F), my mom, and younger brother.

I always feel the way my dad and I do things were similar and my brother is more like my mom.

So now without my dad here I often feel left out. For example today I asked them to go out somewhere together after I finish working at 4:30pm but at 2:30pm my brother (knowing that i wanna go together) suddenly suggested to my mom that they go somewhere. Since i still have to work for 2 more hours, I asked them to wait for me a bit but they didn’t wait and just left.

I’ve been processing this since 6 hours ago and I just feel annoyed and sad.

Idk if this is normal? I’m trying hard to not let minor things like this affect me. Any quotes that could help?

Thanks a bunch.

Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

In a world obsessed with chasing external validation, possessions, and control over things we can’t influence, Stoicism reminds us of a profound truth: peace comes from within. Instead of asking, “Why did this happen to me?” ask, “How can I respond to this wisely?” Instead of fearing loss, remember: everything is borrowed from Nature, not owned. Today, I reminded myself of this when I lost my wallet and started to panic. I stopped, focused only on what I could control, and calmly retraced my steps. It worked. I found the wallet, but more importantly, I found my peace.

How have you applied Stoicism to something in your life this week? Let’s share and inspire one another.

Check out this powerful video on mastering life's challenges through Stoic wisdom! Uncover timeless lessons to build mental resilience, overcome adversity, and take control of your destiny. Don't miss it!

https://youtu.be/_UCah_Sl5GY

This video discusses how one should feed their Soul.I derive quotes from Stoics such as Marcus Aurelius,Epictetus as well as Seneca.I reveal 4 cardinal virtues that one should live by in order to achieve a nourished soul.If you find this video helpful please share it with someone else and get the message out there.A soul that is constantly being fed is essential for a fruitful life. https://youtu.be/n_bxyQjmbVw

Quotes used

“Courage is the willingness to face what is necessary.” ~Seneca

“No man is free he who is not master of himself” ~Epictetus

“What brings no benefit to the hive brings no benefit to the bee” ~Marcus Aurelius

Tired of being exhausted no matter how much rest you get? It’s time to take back your energy. Inspired by Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, this video reveals the real reason you’re drained and how to fix it.

🔹 Let go of what you can’t control

🔹 Break free from constant distractions

🔹 Align with what truly matters

Ready to feel focused and recharged? Watch now and discover how Stoicism can help you thrive in today’s chaotic world. https://youtu.be/xBoPKd4f_cs

I used to stress over everything—other people’s actions, bad luck, or plans ruined by the weather. Then I started applying Stoic principles in my life, and everything changed. I focused only on what I could control, like my actions and reactions, and let go of the rest. When things didn’t go my way, I practiced negative visualization—imagining setbacks in advance. It prepared me for challenges and made me grateful for what I already had. The result? Less stress, more peace. As Epictetus said,