It’s almost the weekend, and I am really looking forward to it. I think most of us probably do. It’s a time to relax and spend time doing things we enjoy.

This weekend my husband and I plan to run a half marathon a little over an hour away. Afterwards, I hope to eat french toast at Cracker Barrel. Ah, it sounds wonderful!

Sometimes it can be easy to fall into the trap of looking forward to the weekend too much. Do you know what I mean?

I really like this wisdom from Epictitus about the balance we should seek in our lives.

“There is a time and place for diversion and amusements, but you should never allow them to override your true purposes. If you were on a voyage and the ship anchored in a harbor, you might go ashore for water and happen to pick up a shellfish or a plant. But be careful; listen for the call of the captain. Keep your attention directed at the ship. Getting distracted by trifles is the easiest thing in the world. Should the captain call, you must be ready to leave those distractions and come running, without even looking back.

If you are old, do not go far from the ship, or you might fail to appear when you are called for.”

Epictitus, The Art of Living p. 14

While spending some time on hobbies and amusements is fine (and even needful), we should never let them override our true purpose.

We all have a true purpose. There is a reason we are here. For example, I believe my main purpose in life is to be a good wife and mother.

If I find my personal (hobby) time is cutting into my “true purpose time,” I need to step back and evaluate some things.

I think that if we do it right, our true purpose will energize us and give us meaning. We will want to spend time doing it, instead of wanting to step away.

I’ve realized that when I want to step away more than I ought, it’s because for some reason my home isn’t as peaceful as it should be. Maybe I need to create a better schedule for my family, or facilitate outdoor time to get those wiggles out. Once my home is more at peace, I feel like I flourish in my purpose.

I hope you are encouraged today to embrace and love your purpose and your weekend. Thank you so much for stopping by!

For more encouragement based on stoic philosophy, click here.

It’s been one of those days.

I’ve been a homeschool mom for twenty years now. While I love it, sometimes homeschooling can be difficult. Especially when I want to make learning fun for my child, but it just doesn’t seem to be.

While thinking about ways to make learning fresh and exciting, I need to be patient with the situation. I need to be patient with my child, and patient with myself.

I know that with a little bit of effort, I can help my child enjoy learning.

I need to keep a calm mind while figuring this out. This is best for me and for my child.

“To bear trials with a calm mind robs misfortune of its strength and burden.”  – Seneca

I find this quote by Seneca encouraging, and it can be applied to all aspects of life!

If I determine to stay calm and positive about any and every situation that comes my way, then the strength and burden of the problem diminishes.

I think that so often we make our problems larger than they actually are by dwelling on them negatively. I totally did this today!

But then I remembered that keeping a calm mind was the way to go. I took a deep breath and encouraged my child with a smile. I pointed out her strengths and we got through the assignment with minimal worries.

I want my children to remember me as a calm and focused mama who loves them very much. I always want to root for them, and find ways to help them succeed.

I think they will remember these moments. Was I flustered or calm? Did I give power to the problem or did I make an effort to calmly solve it?

Our problems do not have to be strong and burdensome. They are what we make them.

I hope you enjoyed this bit of stoic encouragement today!

Blessings, Nicole