The Real Power You Have

Navigate The Day

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In this episode of Navigate the Day, I’m diving into a Stoic concept that’s essential yet incredibly challenging: real inner power. Epictetus tells us that true strength and freedom come from within, specifically from understanding and using our ability to control our thoughts, judgments, and reactions. It’s easy to get caught up relying on status, money, or relationships for validation, but Epictetus suggests that real power comes from mastering our perspective on what’s within and beyond our control.
This week, I’ve wrestled with how to apply this idea, particularly as I navigate the end of an important relationship. I've been tempted to dwell on regret, hurt, and that overwhelming desire to change things beyond my control. Instead of accepting these emotions calmly, I found myself wanting to escape them. I’ve realized, though, that letting go of this need to control outcomes is vital if I want to break free from cycles of self-blame and emotional turmoil.
The Stoics say that even life’s toughest losses and setbacks offer the potential for growth. It’s a concept that feels foreign, especially when facing heartbreak, but one that I’m learning to appreciate more deeply. Holding onto self-compassion and focusing on what I can change – how I respond, what I value, and how I act – offers a much stronger, more lasting freedom than anything external could. Join me as I reflect on what it means to trust in our own judgments, lean into our inner strength, and move forward with resilience.

Thank you for listening and joining me on my journey of self-discovery!
Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books

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