"Whatever can happen at any time can happen today." -Seneca.

The past week, I experienced a day where I felt powerful and accomplished. I also experienced another day full of weakness, sickness, and turmoil. Both of these days served as examples to me of what authentic living feels like.

On the day I felt strong, I was surging with energy and purpose.

My team and I were helping another business prepare for a significant event they had coming up. Although I led my team and gave direction, we all worked together to accomplish the goals. There was a lot of planning and physical work, but it was fun.

The work was exhausting but invigorating.

A few days later, I felt my weakest. That's today.

I've been sick the past few days, but today is the height of this sickness. My mind is strong despite headaches, body aches, congestion, and loss of taste. I yearn to feel well again. In fact, I take wellness for granted when I'm feeling good.

I only genuinely appreciate wellness once I get sick. How about you?

Despite these feelings, I know I'll heal and feel well again; and I know I'm not alone.

I believe that each day is a new opportunity to make a difference. How we make that impact is up to us. However, it begins with an understanding that we must believe something different is possible despite whatever we're going through. Even if we can't control the circumstances. So, what does that mean?

Nobody can predict how the day will play out except those who plan their day and focus their intentions and actions on that plan.

The results may not always be what we want, but we control our actions and thoughts.

Have you heard that saying about hope being a positive thought with wings? It's not. Hope is simply believing in what "can be" and working toward that.

Some of you may have read Seneca's quote and interpreted it how I did when I first came across it.

A few years ago (or more), I was preparing for the worst that could happen. I was stuck in negative loops of "what if." I wanted to make sure my family was ready for anything that could happen. Looking back, I was preparing for "anything" bad but nothing good.

Now, I believe we must prepare ourselves for the bad and good times.

Balance our thoughts and prepare with the understanding that anything can happen externally.

In good, strong times, weaker times may be approaching. In times of sickness or weakness, more robust times are ahead. That's the true nature of life. The ebbs and flows of energy, strength, and power are natural cycles around us and within us.

What we always have control of, though, is our mind. Our thoughts can be trained and strengthened to overcome any obstacle.

As I continue to medicate and heal, I'm reminded that a bit of hope, as defined above, is all I need. Better times are ahead.

If you're feeling down, weakened, or sad, you're not alone.

Remember that life will always counterbalance. All you need is hope. Believe in what "can be" and work toward it.

That belief is an understanding that the possibilities in life are limitless, which means— so are you.

You will rebound and grow stronger.

Start with strengthening your mind. Resist the urge to wallow in negative thoughts. It's natural and normal to think negative things, so don't judge yourself. Acknowledge the thought, and think of what could be.

What action can you take today to move you toward what could be? Do that.

You are powerful and strong enough to take one tiny action toward what "can be" for you.

You are the co-creator of your destiny. You can work towards better, stronger times for yourself. After all…

"Whatever can happen at any time can happen today." -Seneca.

Your Journal Prompts for this week:

What are two examples where I have felt powerful and accomplished? What was I doing? How can I do more of this?
What do I believe "can be" for me? What tiny action can I take today to move me toward that?
How am I preparing myself mentally to overcome challenges and obstacles?

Minimalist Weekly Challenge:

Clean out your medicine cabinet. Get rid of expired and old medicines, liquids, and ointments.
Organize the remaining medication and creams in your own way. You can do this alphabetically or by symptom alleviation.

Estimated time to complete: 10-40 minutes.

(Benefits: include being prepared for future sickness, knowing what you have on hand, and eliminating unnecessary or old medications. Remember to dispose of expired prescription medication at a designated medication collection site if one exists where you live.)

With Vitality + Purpose + Love,

Kourt @ The Minimalist Stoic

"Whatever can happen at any time can happen today." -Seneca.

Ep.104 Okay that's not what hope is, is it?