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252·25 days agoNot my location, but Scranton, PA?
Epictetus was a slave most of his life and then banished at the end. I would disagree with the wealthy comment. Nelson Mandela embraced stoicism to get him through his prison term. I’m not sure where your perception comes from, but a major tenant is not putting emphasis on wealth or material goods.
ETA - my deleted comment above was just me moving this one down to be in the appropriate hierarchy.
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You may want to familiarize yourself with the philosophy of Stoicism. It sounds very similar to what you describe. I’d recommend starting with a “sampler” like “The Daily Stoic,” by Ryan Holiday. Epictetus and Marcus Auralius are two of the biggest names in terms of “fathers” of this philosophy.
Don’t go by whatever impression Hollywood or society may have left you with about the word “stoic.” It doesn’t mean “without emotion.”
I decorate for the seasons.
I kick off winter with a fondue party and make my place more “hygge” for the season. Candles, cozy blankets, baking bread, making tea and soup. Decor involves pinecones and coniferous branches, my rustic dark wood table is left uncovered. I have smart bulbs, so usually warm lighting. That sort of thing.
As a contrast, in summer I go more Mediterranean accents. Bowls of fruit, a wreath of wildflowers, I make limoncello and instead of candles, I’ll use an Aera scent machine for smells like “fresh laundry.” I frequently have bouquets of lavender around, and a French country tablecloth on the rustic table.
That’s the general idea anyway. Fall might have gourds, leaves, and cider in the mix.
So, while not really for a particular “holiday,” I do enjoy honoring the seasons by trying to be in sync with them. I live alone, but entertain quite a bit.
I went trick or treating with an 88 year old woman (both of us in costume). She raked it in!
Based on your question, you might dig the book “Boat of a Million Years.” The author put quite a bit of thought into just that.
I was not born into wealth, and put myself through college on scholarships. The only reason I’m “wealthy” is because I’ve lived very frugally (and still do), and chose not to have kids. I’m not denying that I’ve had some advantages, and certainly those born into the current economy have it tougher, but overall I’ve eaten a hell of a lot of lentils, don’t subscribe to any streaming services, am not much of a consumer, and enjoy the simple things in life. Obviously not an exhaustive list, but stuff like that. It’s not for everyone, but I’m deeply content and fulfilled.
Joyful, peaceful, content, fulfilled, educated, energetic, with a diverse set of wonderful friends, and a fun, flexible lifestyle. I retired early and wake up every day (whenever I feel like waking up) in a place I love. I laugh a lot and have a close “chosen family” who always has each other’s back. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday is a great beginner sampler, and/or a way to keep it in your life when you don’t have an appetite for the “heavy” stuff.
I just threw up in my mouth a little.
Take smaller bites.
Like living dinosaurs. So cool!
Personally I’m a fan of Irish coffee, but most coffee bars seem to frown on busting out the whiskey at 8a.
I feel like museums should get a pass on this one.
But along these lines, I’m SO over “bespoke.”
Aww, thanks! I tried to find a very uncuddly animal and show it some love. Their claws (talons?) are terrifying.
Especially in news headlines: slams, blasts, mind-blowing, hack (or lifehack)
I’m sure there are others, but that’s all my brain can handle at the moment.
I’m reading a book of short stories by Stephen King called “You Like it Darker.” There’s one called “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream,” and although it’s obviously fictional, it does a good job portraying how someone could easily get sucked into a situation like this just trying to do a good deed and end up with long-lasting and far-reaching ramifications. I liked how he had the protagonist handle it, but I’m not sure I’d be that strong and level headed. I hope I never have to find out.