Say Hello

In this episode of Navigate the Day, I reflect on Seneca’s reminder that so much of our suffering comes not from the present moment, but from rehearsing misery that hasn’t even happened. Worrying about what might go wrong—or clinging too tightly to what we fear losing—only robs us of the peace available right now.

This past week, I’ve struggled with my own battles—feeling weak, scattered, and caught in cycles of regret and distraction. I’ve wrestled with questions of strength, identity, and whether I’m truly living by the principles I believe in. Yet in that struggle, I’ve also seen how important it is to strip away the inessential, face the fears that keep me stuck, and remind myself that life is only ever lived in the present.

This isn’t about pretending everything is easy or perfect—it’s about finding small steps toward peace, grounding myself in today rather than being crushed by an imagined tomorrow. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by anxiety or regret, I think you’ll resonate with what I share here.

Thank you for listening and joining me on my journey of self-discovery!

Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books

Please if you enjoy this content checkout Ryan's work

Say Hello

This week I’ve been thinking about how much of life we fill with unnecessary thoughts, actions, and distractions. Marcus Aurelius reminds us that peace of mind doesn’t come from doing everything—it comes from doing only what is necessary, and doing it well. Too often, I find myself caught in cycles of overthinking, catastrophizing, and dwelling on the negative. Even with years of studying Stoicism, I still struggle to apply these lessons consistently in my life.

I’ve noticed my habits have improved from a few years ago, yet I’ve grown stagnant in my progress. My mornings, once full of discipline, meditation, and exercise, have fallen into late nights and wasted hours. I cling to distractions, like media or conversation, to avoid facing the discomfort of my own thoughts. And when I do, I realize how much unnecessary energy I spend on things that don’t truly matter.

Stoicism reminds me that my judgments create my suffering—not the circumstances themselves. Yet I often let emotions take control, allowing setbacks, regrets, and fears to shape my day. I see now how much unnecessary weight I’ve added to life, and how much freedom I could reclaim by asking the simple question: Is this necessary?

This episode is about recognizing the unnecessary in our lives—thoughts, habits, and actions alike—and taking the first steps toward doing less, but doing it better. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t require perfection, and that even small, deliberate choices can gradually reshape our character, our peace of mind, and our sense of purpose.

Key Stoic Takeaway:
Peace of mind comes from focusing only on what is necessary, and performing those things well—trimming the distractions, the self-criticism, and the unproductive habits that steal our time and energy.

Thank you for listening and joining me on my journey of self-discovery!

Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books

Please if you enjoy this content checkout Ryan's work

Say Hello

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how real progress isn’t made through sudden breakthroughs or giant leaps, but through the small, steady steps we take each day. Zeno’s words remind me that well-being grows slowly and quietly — it’s the sum of tiny victories and consistent choices, even when they seem insignificant in the moment.

This past week hasn’t been easy for me. I caught myself slipping into frustration, irritation, and regret — emotions that don’t help me move forward. I found my mind wandering to old hurts and fears, distracting me from the present and the small wins I could be making right now. But I also noticed where I’ve been holding back — biting my tongue at work to avoid unnecessary conflict, practicing restraint with difficult family dynamics, and simply making it through the day without breaking down. Those moments, however small, are progress.

I realize I’ve been waiting for the “right conditions” to take action, for things to be perfect before moving forward. But that’s a trap — perfection is the enemy of action. If I keep waiting for ideal circumstances, I’ll never begin. Instead, I need to embrace the imperfect, the messy, the everyday reality of life and find the courage to take small steps despite it.

So today, I’m choosing to celebrate the little wins — staying calm when I want to react, holding myself accountable for what I can control, and pushing myself to start simple things like creating a budget or reflecting honestly on my mindset. It’s not glamorous or dramatic, but it’s a start. And as Zeno said, those small steps are truly no small thing.

If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, remember that every meaningful journey begins with one small step. Let’s find those little wins together and keep moving forward — one day, one choice, one breath at a time.

Thank you for listening and joining me on my journey of self-discovery!

Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books

Please if you enjoy this content checkout Ryan's work