“Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not.” -Epictetus
Motherhood can be an amazing journey, but like most things of value in life it also comes with its challenges. Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasizes reason, virtue, and resilience, can offer some valuable tips for moms. Here’s three that stand out to me most:
1. Practice acceptance: Kids will make silly mistakes, have meltdowns, and things often don’t go according to plan. Accepting these realities while focusing on solutions can bring peace of mind. And boy do I love peace.
6. Remember, it’s temporary: The difficult phases, like nights without sleep or potty training mishaps, won’t last forever. Appreciate the precious moments and enjoy each stage of your child’s development.
7. Live in the present: I’m going to be honest, motherhood can be overwhelming, with worries about the future and guilt about the past. Stoicism encourages mindfulness and focusing on the present moment, where you can truly connect with your child.
What I learned from writing this post ist that Stoicism isn’t about becoming emotionless robots (which is what I used think). It’s about finding inner strength, managing your emotions, and approaching challenges with reason and perspective. By applying these principles, you can navigate the joys and difficulties of motherhood with greater resilience, grace, and peace.