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This week, I’ve been wrestling with perspective—how narrow mine can get, and how desperately I need to zoom out. Inspired by the Stoic practice of "Viewing From Above," I explore what it means to rise above the noise of everyday life and see things as they really are: fleeting, small, but still meaningful. Heraclitus reminds us that the universe operates by an eternal rhythm, a fire that rises and falls in due proportion. It’s not ours to control—but it is ours to live within wisely.

And honestly? That’s hard. I’ve been reflecting on how often I’m caught up in other people’s opinions, or worse, my own harsh self-judgments. There’s a fear that if I stop caring what others think, I’ll fall back into the cruel narrative I tell myself. That’s where the real work is—rewriting that inner voice. Learning to trust myself, even when the past has made that feel impossible.

I’m also questioning what meaningful work really looks like. My day job doesn’t feed my soul, but I’ve realized that doesn’t mean I’m exempt from putting in the work of becoming who I want to be. Stoicism reminds me that the hard, often invisible labor of character—patience, discipline, emotional clarity—is a job worth showing up for. Even when no one’s watching.

This episode is a reminder to keep stepping back, to see the bigger picture, and to make peace with the uncertainty of the path. I don’t have all the answers. In fact, most days I feel like I’m floating through life. Maybe floating isn’t failure—it’s the space between letting go and becoming something new.

So, if you’re tired, uncertain, or stuck in the loop of self-doubt—take a breath. Look up. You’re part of something bigger. And even if you don’t have it all figured out, you’re still allowed to grow.

Let’s navigate the day—one honest thought, one small step at a time.

Thank you for listening and joining me on my journey of self-discovery!

Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books

Please if you enjoy this content checkout Ryan's work

Say Hello

This week, I reflect on what it really means to live with joy—not the fleeting kind that comes from distractions, praise, or comfort, but the deep, lasting joy that Marcus Aurelius wrote about. He says joy lies in doing the proper work of being human: being kind, exercising self-control, seeing the world clearly, and accepting the natural order of life. That’s not flashy, but it is fulfilling.

Lately, I’ve noticed how easy it is for me to get caught up in the opposite. I talk a lot about discipline, patience, and mindfulness, but the truth is I still procrastinate, distract myself with entertainment, and get discouraged by the day-to-day grind. I find myself slipping into cynicism, talking a good game about growth while repeating patterns that hold me back.

But I’m trying to be honest with myself. It’s not enough to know what a good life looks like—I have to live it. Joy, as the Stoics describe it, isn’t something I have to chase. It’s something I can choose, right here, right now, by showing up with integrity in even the smallest things. It’s in making kind choices, doing hard things with courage, and staying anchored to what really matters—even when life feels heavy, or hope feels far off.

I’m not where I want to be yet. But I know the gap between who I am and who I want to become is crossed by taking one honest step at a time. This episode is that step. It’s messy, it’s personal, but it’s real—and I hope it reminds you, too, that even when joy feels distant, it’s never completely out of reach.

You can start again today, just like I am.

Thank you for listening and joining me on my journey of self-discovery!

Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books

Please if you enjoy this content checkout Ryan's work

Say Hello

This episode is a personal one. Inspired by a powerful quote from Marcus Aurelius, I reflect on the tension between gratitude and attachment—how easily I get swept up in what’s missing instead of appreciating what I already have. He reminds us not just to count our blessings, but to consider how much we'd long for them if they were suddenly gone.

Lately, I’ve struggled with negativity and a tendency to see my habits, progress, and even relationships through a lens of regret. Turning 30 has only made those thoughts louder. I’ve been thinking a lot about where I am in life, where I thought I’d be, and all the ways I’ve fallen short. But amidst the frustration and self-doubt, I’m learning that practicing gratitude—genuinely, without clinging—isn’t about ignoring what’s wrong. It’s about seeing what’s still right.

In this episode, I talk about how I've been trying to build better habits, work through my emotional setbacks, and find ways to anchor myself in the present—even if it’s just by enjoying a quiet moment with coffee, keeping up with meditation, or rowing through a favorite anime. It’s not perfect, but it’s something. And maybe that’s enough to start turning things around.

If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in a cycle of negativity like I have, I hope this episode reminds you that growth doesn’t require perfection—it just asks for honesty, consistency, and a little bit of hope.

Thank you for listening and joining me on my journey of self-discovery!

Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books

Please if you enjoy this content checkout Ryan's work