A Practical Stoicism Course: Living with Serenity in an Imperfect World
Lesson 1: Accept Your Reality to Transform Your Life
Introduction to the Course
Welcome to this Practical Stoicism Course: Living with Serenity in an Imperfect World.
In this course, we’ll explore an ancient philosophy that helps us find peace and purpose, no matter the chaos around us.
This first lesson focuses on a key Stoic principle: accepting reality as the foundation for building the life you want.
Our guide is Epictetus, a man who turned a life of slavery and suffering into a legacy of wisdom.
Get ready to question, reflect, and put these ideas into practice. Let’s dive in!
If Stoicism Were a Religion, Epictetus Would Be Its Messiah
Born into hardship, he was likely sold into slavery by his parents as a child.
His master, Epaphroditus, abused him, beating his legs until he was permanently crippled.
Despite being treated worse than an animal, Epictetus found guidance in Stoicism.
He studied under the great teacher Musonius Rufus and later became a teacher himself.
Following Socrates’ oral tradition, he never wrote his teachings down.
His student, Flavius Arrian, took notes of his lessons, preserving them for us.
These teachings reflect the harsh life Epictetus endured.
Yet, instead of bitterness, he offers practical ways to find happiness and freedom.
A Phrase That Challenges
I’ve read Epictetus’s works so many times I nearly know them by heart.
Some lines, though, hit hard, making me want to chuck the book across the room.
Here’s one that got me:
“You must remember that you are an actor in a drama, and you must play the part assigned to you by the director: if it’s a short part, make it short; if it’s a long one, make it long; if you’re to play a poor man, play it with dignity; or a cripple, a ruler, or a commoner. Your job is to play the role you’ve been given well; choosing the role is someone else’s job.” — Epictetus
At first, I thought, “Epictetus, you’re done. You couldn’t sell a black cat to a witch with that.”
But after reflecting, I realized why he’s right.
He doesn’t sugarcoat things like a salesman—he tells you what you need to hear.
That’s his strength.
On closer look, I saw he’s not about giving up but about accepting reality.
Accept Life as It Is, Not as You Wish It Were
It sounds odd, but accepting reality is the quickest way to the life you want.
Denying reality makes problems grow.
The trick isn’t fighting life but flowing with it, using what you have now.
Will this make you richer than Jeff Bezos? Nope.
But it will get you to the best possible version of your unique life, no matter how tough it seems.
Your “best” might be Jeff Bezos’s nightmare: marrying someone who loves you but isn’t a model, having a steady but boring job, or raising tricky kids who adore you.
Still, that could be way better than the life you’d get by rejecting reality.
My Own Journey with Stoicism
To many, I’m a failure.
I’m 43, single, and live with my mom (I care for her, and she cares for me :-)).
I’m self-employed but not wealthy.
Years ago, I lived alone, hated my job, was in a loveless relationship, and battled addictions.
If I’d stayed on that path, I wouldn’t be writing this now.
But I applied Epictetus’s Stoic principles, and my life got so much better.
Now, I love my work as a freelancer.
I’ve rebuilt my relationship with my mom and learn from her every day.
I’ve saved enough to live two years without working and kicked my addictions.
Best of all, I don’t miss them.
This is my best possible life—far better than where I was headed.
Just like no two zebras have the same stripes, what works for me might not work for you.
A Universal Tool: Analyzing Things
One thing works for everyone: analyzing your reality.
Once you accept things as they are, you can look at them clearly, without fooling yourself.
It’s not complicated.
To get amazing results, focus on two things:
Analyze what’s not working and why. This helps you cut out or reduce harm and avoid similar mistakes.
For me, smoking and drinking were bad because I’m compulsive.
Anything addictive hits me harder than others, so I avoid obsessing over social media “likes” to dodge that trap.
Analyze what’s working and why. This lets you build on what’s good and find new ways to keep it going.
Walking helps me relax and sparks ideas for my writing.
So, anything that calms me—like a warm shower—also works.
Takeaway: Minimize Negative Costs, Maximize Positive Benefits
Try this exercise: for a week, at the end of each day, make two columns.
One for things that hurt you, one for things that helped.
Then, like a detective, figure out why.
This helps you avoid bad habits and find more of what’s good for you.
For example, skip foods that give you heartburn or make you sleepy.
You’ll see results fast.
Do less of what harms you and more of what helps, and you’ll feel amazing.
Feeling good leads to better thinking, decisions, relationships, and life.
Apply this, and your life will change forever.
Join The Disturbing Blog and Transform Your Daily Life
Want more tools to live with peace and purpose?
Subscribe to The Disturbing Blog.
You’ll get daily articles, meditative talks, guided meditations, exclusive courses, and practical Stoic resources.
This isn’t about empty hype—it’s about walking with you toward a better life.
Sign up now and start building your best possible life!
I hope this lesson has opened your eyes to your reality and inspired your first steps toward a calmer, fuller life.
We’ll dive into another key Stoic tool in the next lesson (Next Sunday).
Until then, practice acceptance and analysis.
Share your thoughts if you want in the comments.
A virtual hug, and I’ll see you soon!
AG