Springtime is here! A season representing new growth, new beginnings, and new endeavors. Plants once dormant are starting to grow again, animals awake from a long winter’s nap, and flowers are beginning to bloom. Spring can also be a great time for personal self-growth.
This Spring, make it a goal of yours to embark on new adventures, say yes to change, and develop a daily routine that embraces an optimistic mindset. The Stoicism Book of Quotes can guide you on your journey to better overall well-being. Use these Stoic quotes to spring you into action this season!
“The first step: Don’t be anxious. Nature controls it all.” —Marcus Aurelius
Focusing on only those things that are within your control versus things outside of your control will help you feel a greater sense of authority and command over your life. Your responses, your reactions, your judgments, your decisions, and your mindset are all things within your control. Other people and their behaviors are not within your control. Focusing on situations and circumstances outside of your control can leave you feeling anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed. The Stoic mindset reminds you that by accepting and letting go of what you cannot control will alleviate anxious thoughts. This is the first step in achieving personal self-growth.
“It is the power of the mind to be unconquerable.” —Seneca
Your mind is a powerful tool that can easily influence how you see yourself and the world. Embracing the Stoic mindset helps you view situations with an optimistic view. When you realize your thoughts affect your behaviors you will quickly see just how much impact your thoughts have on your mindset. A strong mindset will help you accomplish your goals, achieve self-growth, and embark on new personal adventures. Reframe your way of thinking and view setbacks and obstacles as learning opportunities.
“Nothing truly stops you. Nothing truly holds you back. For your own will is always within your control.” —Epictetus
You are in control of your destiny. You have the power to accomplish your goals, achieve personal self-growth, and bring about change to your life. Believe in this Stoic mindset and nothing will stop you from being successful. It’s important to remind yourself that you yourself and the way in which you view situations will directly influence not only your overall well-being, but also you ability to embark on new adventures. When you feel more in control you will feel more confident and optimistic. These feelings will motivate you to develop new habits and a healthier, more Stoic lifestyle.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” —Aristotle
Use self-reflection as a practice to help identify not only your strengths, but also your areas in need of improvement. Identify and evaluate your past responses and decisions while taking a closer look at your current choices and ways of living. Use this information to better prepare yourself for future situations. Personal growth begins with a strong sense of self. Be honest with yourself and see your areas in need of improvement not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth.
“Devote the rest of your life to making progress.” —Epictetus
Spring is a great time to begin your journey to Stoicism, however, the Stoic mindset should be a lifelong way of living. Each day should be seen as a new opportunity, filled with possibilities and endless new beginnings. The Stoic journey to better overall well-being and a healthier mindset is a marathon, not a sprint. Greatness doesn’t happen overnight, nor should it. Progress is about consistency and continuity.
Kortney Yasenka, LCMHC, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor who provides individual, family, and group therapy, as well as life coaching services. She is certified in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and has experience working with veterans and active military personnel. She has a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology from Northeastern University. With over 15 years of experience, Kortney has worked in community mental health, school systems, and private practice while specializing in mood disorders, school and work related issues, life transitions, and self-esteem. Kortney is the co-author of The Stoicism Book of Quotes and wrote the foreword to The Resilient Warrior.
