Protect The Flame

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 Today, I’m reflecting on what it means to truly protect the flame within—the core of who I am. Inspired by a quote from Epictetus, I’ve been thinking a lot about how often I let external distractions, fear, and self-doubt smother that flame instead of guarding it like the sacred thing it is. 

There are days—many of them—when I wake up tired, frustrated, and unmotivated. I go through the motions at a job that feels misaligned with who I want to be, telling myself it’s just what I have to do. But underneath all that obligation and discomfort, I know my real work is internal: practicing patience, building resilience, choosing integrity, and facing my own excuses head-on. 

I’ve spent years blaming my past, my upbringing, my personality traits—even luck—for why I’m not where I want to be. But Stoicism keeps pointing me back to a harder truth: I’m responsible for me. And that’s not meant to be crushing—it’s empowering. Because if I’ve been the one holding myself back, I can also be the one to move forward. 

This week I’m wrestling with uncomfortable truths—how I use distractions like overspending or screen time to avoid discipline, how I hold on to resentment rather than rising above it, and how often I miss the chance to turn burdens into blessings simply because I’m too focused on what’s missing. The Stoics remind me that my job isn’t to control outcomes—it’s to protect my inner character, no matter the circumstance. 

Maybe I don’t always feel like a Stoic. Maybe I fall short more often than not. But I’m still here. I’m still trying. And that counts for something. 

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

Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books

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