Throwback Wednesday's Words of Wisdom: Marcus Aurelius on Inner Strength on 9/11

*Photo by Michael Baird

*Marcus Aurelius

Thought for the Day: You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. -Marcus Aurelius
As we remember 9/11, I decide that this post was appropriate. My computer is still ailing but this post may offer some solace.
Today's quote is a testament to the fact that although everything changes, some things never change. Our world continues to struggle with war, famine & strife. Wise men like Marcus Aurelius pondered the same questions we ask today. He found strength in recognizing the power of the mind & the peace that nature can give us when we face challenges. We are all like innocent children in contrast to the power of the ocean. We cannot move the ocean but we can change ourselves. Our minds can give us the strength to change our lives.

Marcus Aurelius was the last of the "Five Good Emperors" of the Roman Empire from 161AD to his death in 180 AD. He is also considered one of the most important Stoic philosophers. His reign was embroiled in 2 decades of continuous warfare & an internal revolt in the east. Marcus Aurelius' work Meditations, written in Greek, continues to be revered as a philosophy of service & duty. He describes ways to find & stay calm & sane in the midst of war & conflicts by using nature as an inspirational guide. The above quote which stands the test of time makes it clear why he was often referred to as Marcus "the wise." It seems very similar to the "Serenity Prayer" used in Alcoholics Anonymous: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time."





* Marcus Aurelius photo from on Wikipedia Commons
{{Information |Description ={{fr|1= Portrait de Marc-Aurèle. Marbre, œuvre romaine, 161-180 apr. JC.}} |Source ={{own}} |Author =Jean-Pol GRANDMONT |Date = |Permission = |other_versions = }

Girl at beach
http-/www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/4644123790/.jpg

Sunday's Comic Strips: Charlie Brown's Take On "One Day At A Time"

*Photo credit

Thought for the Day: I doubt that Alcoholics Anonymous developed the concept of "One Day at a Time" with Charlie Brown's philosophy in mind, but I like the way it makes fun of the human tendency to worry & takes it to a different level. As a psychologist, I help people confront their anxiety & worries every day. I usually advise people to skip the worry & dread & focus on constructive problem solving tasks to address their concerns. This week, in my private practice,  I helped some of my highly creative clients understand & handle their anxiety. Some creatives obsess about all the possible negative outcomes to interpret & predict the events in their lives. This type of creative process is a double edged sword. On the one hand, it can lead to amazing ideas for creative writing. However, it can also lead to isolation, increased anxiety & excessive worry when taken too literally. Other creative clients who look at life through a comic lens are able to find a way to exaggerate & laugh at all the their situations. Instead of worrying about all the negative possibilities, laughter makes their worries smaller & more manageable. Charles Schultz was a master at making fun of our human insecurities.  His legacy continues to help us laugh at ourselves. Have a great Sunday!


*Photo from
http-/www.signs-unique.co.uk/ive-developed-a-new-philosophy-charlie-brown-funny-aluminium-sign-ga-8846-p.asp   Charles Schulz