By Shazad
“From now on, then, resolve to live as a grown-up who is making progress, and make whatever you think best a law that you never set aside. And whenever you encounter anything that is difficult or pleasurable or highly or lowly regarded, remember that the contest is now, you are at the Olympic games, you cannot wait any longer, and that your progress is wrecked or preserved by a single day and a single event. This is how Socrates fulfilled himself by attending to nothing except reason in everything he encountered. And you, although you are not yet Socrates, should live as someone who at least wants to be Socrates.”
Epictetus
From the moment we are born as helpless little babies, suddenly taken out of our mother's womb, we begin to change. Each breath, each pulse of the heart, and each cry for attention contribute to our transformation into something new and hopefully better. All of life is a journey of constant transformation, which means that it involves a radical or dramatic change. Once you understand this, you will not only embrace life but also the challenges that come your way, because they are here to change you for the better, if you let them.
“Remember how long you’ve been putting this off, how many extensions the gods gave you, and you didn’t use them. At some point you have to recognize what the world it is that you belong to; what power rules it and from what source you spring; that there is a limit to the time assigned you, and if you don’t use it to free yourself it will be gone and will never return.”
Marcus Aurelius. Meditations.
The most important thing to understand is that life is a constant change, all the time, whether it is a small change or a dramatic moment, such as getting your driver's license, finishing a degree, getting married, or having a child. Whatever it is, it is happening to all of us, all the time, and it is powerful. Change is not always easy or comfortable, but it is necessary and required for our existence, as everything in nature is also going through various processes and transformations. We are all part of a dynamic cosmic system, so don't resist or ignore what's happening.
“Putting things off is the biggest waste of life: it snatches away each day as it comes, and denies us the present by promising the future. The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today. You are arranging what lies in Fortune’s control, and abandoning what lies in yours. What are you looking at? To what goal are you straining? The whole future lies in uncertainty: live immediately.”
Seneca. On The Shortness of Life
We have all experienced some level of discomfort or pain when it comes to change. Whether it's getting older, being stuck in traffic due to an accident, dealing with a crying baby waking up at night, and so on, it's not enjoyable, but it's a natural part of life. Fortunately, many of these changes are temporary and will eventually resolve or transform into a more manageable or less burdensome situation. By recognizing that some changes are fleeting or part of a mandatory phase that will pass by relatively quickly, you can find the resilience and patience to endure whatever the struggle of the moment is. Your baby won't always wake up every three hours at night, and the 14+ hour fast during Ramadan will only last for a maximum of 30 days once a year. You can use these experiences to appreciate how brief they are and consider how your life is improving for the better as you navigate through them. What is the struggle teaching you? How grateful are you going to be when this trial is over and you become more resistant to stress the next time you face it?
“If a man knows not which port he sails, no wind is favorable.”
Seneca
Taking action and being responsible for your own life is crucial to undergoing a successful transformation journey. It means steering yourself towards new experiences that will challenge you, allowing you to grow and progress in your life. Waiting for change to happen on its own is not an option, as it will only lead to boredom and stagnation. Instead, by actively seeking out challenges and opportunities, and making conscious choices, you can shape your own destiny. Whether it's committing to a healthier lifestyle, reading and applying knowledge from books, or pursuing a side hustle or business venture, you are in control of your own transformation. Life itself is a journey, and each passing day presents an opportunity for growth and change. By embracing and shaping your personal transformation journey, you can become the best version of yourself. You can take your life to where you want it to be. You can be the change you want to see in the world!
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