Episode 9: A Positive Sense Of Self
I talk about cultivating positive character traits, virtue, and a strong mindset in order to have a solid personal foundation and purpose in life. Having a positive sense of self is something within our control which is built from a strong inner foundation of personal values, purpose, and applying virtue. We should take action and accountability to live a fulfilled life and grow our self-esteem. A strong, steadfast mindset is something we should strive for which will improve our quality of life and allow us to endure suffering so that we can maintain our character. We can look for examples of what the good life looks like by carefully choosing good role-models and drawing upon wisdom from others while making sure to distance ourselves from negative people, bad habits, and not live to please others who are unpraiseworthy – bad influences upon us or people who really aren't important in our lives. In order to improve, to progress, we need to be honest with ourselves recognizing and admitting our faults so that we can live better. I explore the philosophical tradition of Stoicism with goals to inform, empower, and help others benefit from the practical wisdom of Ancient Greek, Roman, and modern thinkers. I tackle many topics including handling adversity, finding meaning in life, working toward contentment, dealing with change, anger, and gratitude. Find Justin Vacula online and listen to past content: Main website: http://www.justinvacula.com SoundCloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/justinvacula YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/justinvacula Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/justin-vacula/stoic-philosophy Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/justinvacula Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/justinvacula Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/justinvacula Support: Donate: http://justinvacula.com/donate/ Like, share, subscribe! Epictetus' Discourses: https://www.amazon.com/Discourses-Epictetus-Handbook-Fragments-Everymans/dp/0460873121/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1478049820&sr=8-2&keywords=epictetus+discourses Marcus Aurelius' Meditations: https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Thrift-Editions-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/048629823X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493590216&sr=8-1&keywords=marcus+aurelius+meditations Seneca's Letters to a Stoic https://www.amazon.com/Senecas-Letters-Stoic-Thrift-Editions/dp/0486811247/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1493590249&sr=8-3&keywords=seneca+letters+from+a+stoic Stoic Philosophy – Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: http://www.iep.utm.edu/stoicism/ Massimo Pigliucci's Stoicism blog: https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/ Stoic Philosophy Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stoicism/