The ancient Stoic philosophers believed in a concept called "Amor Fati," which means "love of fate." In other words, love your life and everything that happens to you because it's all part of a much bigger plan. If you can adopt this mindset, you'll be much happier and more successful in every aspect of your life, no matter what challenges come your way. Here are the top 5 ways to live by the Stoic philosophy of "Amor Fati."

 

1. Make time for contemplation, reflection, and meditation

 

I'm sure you've often heard the saying "life is what you make it..." Well, that is certainly true... But how can you make the most of your own life? By living according to Stoic principles, of course! The Stoics had a lot of wisdom to offer when it comes to how to live one's life and how to best handle its many trials and tribulations.

Make time every day for contemplation and reflection. It is essential to carve out at least a few minutes each day to sit in silence and reflect on your life. Especially if you feel like there's not enough time in the day to do so! Consider the things you're grateful for, the things you want to change, and the steps you need to take to get there. This will help you stay grounded, focused, and motivated as you work towards your goals. When you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or confused, take a step back and remember what's truly important to you. Meditation will help you clear your mind and get back on track. You have a limited amount of energy, so it's important to stay focused on what matters most and ONLY what you can control.

 

2. Cultivate a sense of gratitude

Too often, we take things for granted and fail to appreciate the good that is right in front of us. Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions we can feel. It allows us to appreciate the good in our lives and helps us to let go of resentments and anxiety. When we're grateful, we're also more likely to be kind, patient, and forgiving. All of these qualities will help you to stay calm and focused, especially in times of turmoil. Marcus Aurelius said "when you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love." Every day is a gift, so make sure to take time to appreciate the little things. 

It is also helpful for lots of people to write a "gratitude list." You can do this every night before you go to bed, or first thing in the morning. Simply write down five things that you're grateful for. It could be anything from your health, to a loved one, to your favorite food. Focusing on gratitude will help you to stay positive and calm during difficult times.

3. Live in the present moment

Live in the present moment. Seneca once said, "True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing." The present moment is all you ever have. Make the best of it.

In order to live in the present moment, it is important to let go of fears and anxieties about the future. Instead, focus on enjoying the life as it is and being satisfied with what you have. This will help you to be content with your life and avoid feeling like you are missing out on something. Additionally, living in the present moment can help you to appreciate the things that you do have, rather than worrying about what you don't have. When you focus on the positive aspects of your life, it is easier to be happy and to enjoy each moment.

 

4. Practice self-discipline

 

Self-discipline is not a trait that we are born with, but it is something that we can develop over time. It requires practice and consistency. Discipline is the difference between unimaginable success and devastating failure. Many times the very word "discipline" scares us, but we should view it as a vehicle towards prosperity in life. In the words of Marcus Aurelius: "We should discipline ourselves in small things, and from these progress to things of greater value."

A lack of discipline is what ultimately leads to destructive habits, addictions and procrastination. It is essential to have self-control and to be able to stick to our goals in order to achieve anything significant in life. Consistent discipline teaches us to get stronger during the hard times and to enjoy the fruits of our hard labor. It allows us to develop our character and to become better people.

 

5. Live amor fati: embrace and love your fate.

 

Bad things don't happen to you, they happen FOR you! Many of us go through life feeling like we are victims of our circumstances. We believe that things happen to us and that we have no control over them. This is the wrong way to think. If we want to be happy and successful, we need to take responsibility for our lives and accept that everything that happens to us is happening for a reason.

When something bad happens, it is easy to get caught up in self-pity and feel sorry for ourselves. But if we embrace "amor fati" – the love of our fate – we will see that every experience, good or bad, can teach us something and make us stronger. 

 

If you can incorporate these practices into your life, you'll be well on your way to embracing life 's difficulties and achieving lasting happiness. Thanks for reading! As always friends, live amor fati!

 

-Michael Parrish