My Distracted Drive

Funny, serious, happy and sad observations when I'm just driving around

[mydistracteddrive]

You cannot achieve freedom by fulfilling your desires, but only by eliminating them.

Epictetus D4.1

Now this is a thought worth pondering.  This gets to the core of Stoicism.  I take this to mean that instead of longing for an event, possession, relationship I simply accept what comes my way.  Focus on living a life of virtue rather than expectation.  It’s worth trying I think.

[mydistracteddrive]

Don't be hard to please. Don't complain about trivial things.

Epictetus D4.4

A simple instruction but wouldn’t the world be an easier place to navigate if everyone took this to heart?

[mydistracteddrive]

I pay attention to other people’s words and actions. I don’t do this looking for an opportunity to criticize or ridicule them but to make sure that I don’t make the same mistakes.

Epictetus D4.4

What a great thought! 

[mydistracteddrive]

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxK8kqd-r1ET0zIydsOHBNA

[mydistracteddrive]

Don’t be hard to please. Don’t complain about trivial things.

Epictetus D4.4

[mydistracteddrive]

Humankind is born for mutual assistance, anger for mutual ruin.

Seneca, A1.5

[mydistracteddrive]

Why not enjoy the feast and pageant while you are able?

Epictetus D4.1

I frequently remind myself of this sentiment to combat my inherent tendency to see the problems, disappointments and threats about me.  For those brief moments when I'm enjoying the feast and pageant I realize that life should be lived this way.

[mydistracteddrive]

I prefer practicing virtues that can be practiced peacefully rather than those that draw sweat and blood from me.

Seneca, H25

An excellent motto for retirement, don't you think?

[mydistracteddrive]

Don’t be upset at the world. It doesn’t care.

Marcus Aurelius

M.A. gets it right every time.  I wish more people knew this but lots act as if they don't.

[mydistracteddrive]

Opinion | What if Humans Just Can’t Get Along Anymore?

Humanity’s greatest trick is working together. The internet has made that more difficult.

I wish I could say I disagree with this perspective, but I cannot. It seems that our lack of cooperation for the common good will be our downfall.

[mydistracteddrive]

Like anyone else, I too have anger in me. However, I try to recall that anger is a destructive emotion. Scientists say anger is bad for our health; it eats into our immune system. It destroys our peace of mind. We shouldn't welcome it or think of it as natural or as a friend.

The Dalai Lama

This is a challenge because there are so many things to be angry about these days.  But as usual, TDL makes an important point.

[mydistracteddrive]

It is not acceptable for you to misinterpret the honorable, brave and the spirited words of those who are dedicated to being wise.

Seneca H24

Apropos of our times, don't you think?

[mydistracteddrive]

The problems humanity faces today demand a positive mental attitude and a sense of compassion for others. I firmly believe we can solve the majority of our problems by developing a sense of universal responsibility—wanting to do something for others without a selfish motive.

Dalai Lama

As usual, His Holiness gets it right.  He's too polite to say that this is the opposite of Rugged Individualism.

[mydistracteddrive]

Even if no one notices, be content to live in health and happiness yourself. [Epictetus D3.24]

[mydistracteddrive]

Don’t dream about things you don’t have. Instead, think about the best things you now have and how much you would crave them if you didn’t have them.

Marcus Aurelius M7.27

M.A. is once again reminding us about the importance of gratitude.

[mydistracteddrive]

The latest release from Mike Scofield & The Distracted Drivers

[mydistracteddrive]

When someone offends you, ask yourself what good or ill they thought would come out of it. If you understand that, you will not be puzzled or angry but will sympathize with them.

Marcus Aurelius M7.26

More words of wisdom from M.A.