Show, Don’t Tell

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 In this episode of Navigate the Day, I reflect on one of the most grounded lessons Epictetus ever gave us—don’t rush to share what you’ve just learned. Live it first.

 

There’s a quote from Discourses where Epictetus warns against spewing philosophy the way an upset stomach throws up undigested food. He urges us to digest ideas fully, to let them become part of who we are, before we try to share them with others. In other words, don’t just talk about wisdom—embody it.

 

This week, I tried to hold that lesson up to my own life, and honestly, it forced me to take a hard look at myself. I talk about my struggles with wanting more—more security, more purpose, more direction—and how those desires often leave me feeling powerless. I reflect on how difficult it is to find peace when I measure my worth against things outside of my control: money, approval, relationships, even my job.

 

At times, I’ve worn a mask—pretending I’m okay, even cheerful—when deep down I’ve felt lost, behind, or overwhelmed. I know what the Stoics would say: “You’re not your circumstances, you're your choices.” But sometimes even that feels like a weight instead of a liberation.

 

I wrestle with feelings of disconnection, especially when I think about the vastness of the universe. I know the Stoics believed that understanding our place in the cosmos should humble and free us, but for me, it often triggers panic instead of peace. And still, I keep showing up to this practice—not perfectly, not as some polished version of a Stoic, but as someone who’s trying.

 

I admit that I don’t always live by the virtues I admire. My discipline falters, my patience wears thin, and my fear too often dictates my decisions. But I’m not giving up. I’ve started making small changes—paying off debt, exploring new career paths, reconsidering college—because I want to live a life that aligns more closely with the person I aspire to be.

 

This episode is a reminder—to myself and maybe to you—that the journey to becoming is rarely tidy. It’s not about having it all figured out. It’s about taking small steps with honesty, humility, and a willingness to grow. I’m not here to tell you how to live; I’m here to show you how I’m trying.

 

And maybe, together, we can figure it out—one day 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

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