• 0 Posts
  • 42 Comments
Joined 1 year ago
cake
Cake day: June 29th, 2023

help-circle





  • Hurricane Sandy in Connecticut. My house caught on fire…twice…when a tree fell on some wires and caused power to backfeed into my home. Luckily I didn’t touch anything or I might not be here to tell the tale. It was supposedly put out once (fire was inside the walls), and I was allowed back to fetch a few essentials, but it filled up with smoke again because of a hot spot or something…and I had to convince dispatch to send a truck out a second time. I was displaced for three months and lost about 85% of my belongings. Luckily some VERY brave firefighters prevented my entire house from burning to the ground. 0/10 - do not recommend

    I’ve also been in earthquakes, blizzards, and wildfires, but nothing comparable to that experience on a personal level.






  • 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.



  • 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 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.