Ever feel like you’re on a roller coaster ride you didn’t sign up for? Hang tight—let me share how Stoicism helped me turn unexpected twists into fulfilling opportunities.

The Unexpected Turn: Losing My Job and My Assumptions

Last spring, I was confidently cruising along with seven years of experience in the tech industry. With skills in a field that’s always in demand, I thought finding a new job would be a piece of cake if I ever needed one. Well, call me out—I couldn’t have been more wrong.

When I got laid off, I figured I’d land a new gig in no time. Instead, I found myself receiving more automated rejection letters than spam e-mails. To add insult to injury, my body chimed in to remind me how burnt out I was from my previous job. Turns out, when you finally stop, your body goes, “Hey, remember me? We’re exhausted!”

Embracing Stoicism Amidst Uncertainty

Amidst the chaos, I remembered Marcus Aurelius’s wisdom:

“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

I couldn’t control the layoffs or the job market, but I could control how I responded. Instead of spiraling into despair (or continuing forever to binge-watch shows in my pajamas), I decided to focus on what was within my power.

Practical Stoic Lesson: Focus on What You Can Control

By choosing to invest my time in a sustainable fish farming startup, I was living out a core Stoic principle—focusing on what I can control. I couldn’t make companies hire me, but I could contribute to a project that mattered to me.

As Epictetus wisely said:

“Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.”

You too can change your life by focusing on what’s within your control and then acting on it. Identify what you can influence, and channel your energy there.

Personal Anecdote

Working with the startup isn’t a paying gig (yet), but it aligns perfectly with my values—promoting sustainable food production and improving ecological standards in an industry that desperately needs it. Contributing to something I believe in has brought a sense of fulfillment I haven’t felt in a long time, if ever.

(Dealing with eco-anxiety? Check out my thoughts on Overcoming Environmental Anxiety.)

Midway Check-In

Have you ever faced a situation where focusing on what you could control made a difference? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

Sharing Wisdom: The Birth of “The Stoic Way”

Around this time, I also started reflecting on my journey and the wisdom I’d gained from practicing Stoicism. Seneca’s words struck a chord:

“If wisdom were offered me under the express condition that I should keep it shut up and not proclaim it, I should reject it. No good thing is pleasant to possess without friends to share it.”

Even Marcus Aurelius, an emperor, humbly considered himself merely a student of philosophy and a keen learner. He wrote his “Meditations” as personal notes to guide himself, not as teachings for others. If someone of his stature saw himself as a student, I felt comfortable embracing the same mindset.

I realized that while I didn’t have a formal education in philosophy, I had years of self-study and practical experience. Stoicism had helped me navigate tough times, and I felt compelled to share these insights with others who might be going through similar struggles.

So, I launched The Stoic Way—this very blog. My goal? To demystify Stoicism and show that it’s a practical guide anyone can use to improve their daily life.

Practical Stoic Lesson: Share Your Wisdom

By sharing my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned, I’m not only helping others but also reinforcing these principles in my own life.

As Seneca said:

Men learn, while they teach.

You don’t have to be an expert to share your journey. In sharing, you not only help others but also deepen your own understanding.

[Interested in more wisdom from Seneca, check out his: Letters From A Stoic to get started!]

Cultivating Gratitude: A Daily Practice

One habit that has significantly improved my outlook is practicing morning reflections. Every day, I remind myself of Marcus Aurelius’s words:

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love.”

I started keeping a journal where each morning I jot down things I’m grateful for. Sometimes it’s big things like supportive friends and family; other times it’s as simple as a good cup of coffee.

Practical Stoic Lesson: Cultivate Gratitude

By appreciating the simple things, we set a tone of contentment and resilience for the rest of the day.

Try keeping a gratitude journal yourself. When you wake up, write down or think about at least one thing you’re grateful for. You’ll be surprised how this small practice can shift your mindset.

[Start your journey today with My Favorite Gratitude Journal.]

Personal Anecdote

On days when the job hunt feels particularly discouraging, reflecting on what I am grateful for—like my health or the support of loved ones—helps me stay positive and motivated.

Reframing Challenges: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

When those rejection emails keep piling up, it’s easy to feel disheartened. But Stoicism taught me that setbacks are opportunities for growth.

As Marcus Aurelius put it:

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

Instead of seeing unemployment as a roadblock, I reframed it as a chance to explore new avenues—like the sustainable startup and this blog.

Practical Stoic Lesson: Reframe Challenges

By viewing obstacles as opportunities, we can transform our approach to life’s difficulties.

Next time you face a challenge, ask yourself: How can this situation serve me? This shift in perspective can open up new paths you hadn’t considered before.

Personal Anecdote

Reframing my unemployment allowed me to pursue passions I’d neglected, leading to personal growth and new opportunities I wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Adding Humor to the Mix: Laughing at Myself

Let’s face it, life can be absurd. Finding humor in tough situations has been a lifesaver for me. For instance, when working at the sustainable fish startup, I couldn’t resist dropping fish puns. (Did you hear about the fish that couldn’t swim? It was a real flop.)

But it’s not just about making jokes—it’s also about being able to laugh at myself. When someone attempted to ridicule Epictetus, he calmly replied:

“Yes, and you are ignorant of my other faults, else you would not have mentioned only these.”

By not taking ourselves too seriously, we defuse negativity and maintain inner peace.

Practical Stoic Lesson: Maintain Perspective with Humor

Humor helps us keep things in perspective. Being able to find the lighter side, even in tough situations, can be incredibly helpful.

Allow yourself to laugh, especially at your own expense. It lightens the mood and can make challenges seem less daunting.

Personal Anecdote

When I realized how naïve I’d been about the job market, instead of beating myself up, I joked about updating my résumé to include “Professional Rejection Letter Collector.” It made the situation feel less heavy.

Midway Check-In

How do you use humor to cope with challenges? Share your funniest experiences in the comments—let’s spread some laughter!

Your Turn: Applying Stoicism to Your Life

So, what can you take away from my journey?

1. Focus on What You Can Control

Identify areas where you have influence and take action there.

2. Cultivate Gratitude

Start each day by acknowledging the positives in your life.

3. Reframe Challenges

See obstacles as opportunities to grow and learn.

4. Share Your Wisdom

Don’t keep your insights to yourself; they could help someone else.

5. Maintain Perspective with Humor

Don’t be afraid to laugh, especially at yourself.

[Equip yourself with Stoic wisdom by grabbing a copy of Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations.]

Join the Conversation!

I want to hear from you:

• Have you faced unexpected challenges? How did you handle them?
• Which Stoic principles resonate with you the most?
• What’s one step you can take today to apply Stoicism in your life?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Final Thoughts

Finding fulfillment isn’t about waiting for the perfect circumstances. It’s about embracing the Stoic mindset, taking action where you can, and maintaining a grateful and positive outlook.

So, the next time life doesn’t go as planned, remember—you have the power to choose your response. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find your own path to fulfillment along the way.

---

Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to subscribe to The Stoic Way for more tips on living your best life!

Check out our Stoic Starter Kit for resources to begin your journey living life The Stoic Way!

---

“We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” — Seneca

But trust me, my hosting bills are very real. If you find these resources and my blog valuable, please consider making a donation. After all, even a Stoic can’t pay for web hosting with virtue alone!

Donate via PayPal