Finding joy in the ordinary and everyday tasks isn’t something everyone can do. But that’s where the Stoics excel.
Being a Stoic at heart means you find happiness in the things most people overlook or take for granted. And guess what? There are telltale signs that can help you figure out if you’re one of them.
Here, we’ll unveil the seven things that only people with a Stoic heart can genuinely appreciate. So, buckle up and get ready to discover if you’re a Stoic at heart.
1) Embracing simplicity
In this bustling world of ours, it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race, always chasing after the next big thing. But if you’re a Stoic at heart, you find joy in the simple things in life.
The Stoics believed in living a simple and uncomplicated life. They found contentment in the basic necessities and didn’t crave extravagant luxuries.
Think about it. Do you feel a sense of peace while reading a good book or when you’re enjoying a quiet walk in the park?
If you can appreciate these simple pleasures and find happiness in them, you’re showing signs of being a Stoic at heart. Being able to value simplicity and finding joy in it is truly an art, and it’s something that Stoics have mastered.
2) Mindfulness
Stoics are known for their mindfulness and their ability to stay fully present in the here and now. They understand that the past has already happened and the future is yet to come, so the only thing we truly have control over is the present.
I remember when I first started practicing mindfulness.
I was in a park, just sitting on a bench, watching people go by. I wasn’t thinking about my to-do list, or what happened yesterday. I was just there, fully present, taking in the sounds, smells and sights around me.
That moment of complete presence brought me incredible peace and joy. It made me realize that there’s beauty in every moment if we just take the time to observe it.
3) Acceptance of what cannot be changed
This is a huge one.
Stoicism teaches the importance of coming to terms with things we cannot change. This philosophy encourages us to differentiate between what’s in our control and what’s not and to focus our energy on the former.
It teaches us that contentment comes not from trying to control everything, but from learning to let go and be at peace with how things are.
This acceptance is not a form of defeat but rather an embrace of reality and a commitment to action where it’s possible.
4) Resilience in the face of adversity
Life can sometimes throw curveballs at us. It’s during these challenging times that our true character is revealed. Stoics are known for their resilience and ability to remain unfazed in the face of adversity.
Stoicism teaches us that hardships are a part of life and that it’s not about avoiding them but rather about how we react to them. A Stoic faces adversity with calm and composure, viewing it as an opportunity for growth.
Do you find yourself staying strong during tough times, maintaining a positive outlook even when things are falling apart? If so, then you’re definitely showing signs of a Stoic mindset.
5) Valuing inner peace over external validation
In a world that’s constantly trying to measure our worth by external standards, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters.
I’ve been guilty of it, too, getting caught up in the race for likes, shares, and accolades.
The Stoics, however, teach us to look inward for validation. It’s about finding contentment within ourselves and not relying on external validation to define our worth.
I had to learn this the hard way. After years of chasing after approval and praise, I found myself feeling hollow and unfulfilled. It was only when I started seeking internal peace and happiness that I truly felt content.
It’s a liberating feeling to not be bound by the opinion of others and to value your inner peace above all else.
6) Gratitude for what you have
Do you ever find yourself always wanting more—more money, a bigger house, a better job?
It’s a common trap. But Stoics find joy in what they already have. They practice gratitude daily, appreciating the things they often take for granted.
Stoicism teaches us that happiness doesn’t come from having everything we want, but from appreciating everything we have. This simple act of acknowledging and appreciating what you have is a powerful way to cultivate happiness and contentment.
7) The pursuit of wisdom
For the Stoics, wisdom is not just a theoretical concept but a practical, lived experience. Wisdom, in the Stoic sense, is about understanding the world deeply, making sound judgments, and aligning one’s actions with a sense of virtue and rationality.
The Stoics believed that wisdom comes from discerning what is within our control and what is not, a concept central to their philosophy. This discernment is not about passive acceptance but about active engagement with life. It’s about making choices that reflect our true values and living in accordance with nature and reason.
Think about your daily life. Do you find yourself seeking to understand the underlying principles of your experiences rather than just reacting to them? Do you strive to learn from every situation, good or bad, and use that knowledge to guide your future actions?
If so, you might be embodying the Stoic pursuit of wisdom. This pursuit is not about accumulating facts but about developing a deep, intuitive understanding of the world and our place in it.
Embracing the wisdom of Stoicism
Diving into the depths of Stoic philosophy uncovers a profound understanding of life and human nature.
The ancient Stoics, like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, taught us that joy doesn’t come from external circumstances but from our internal state of mind. They believed that we have the power to choose our responses, shape our attitudes, and cultivate our own happiness.
And it all starts with finding joy in things that most overlook. From simplicity to resilience, from mindfulness to acceptance, these are the signs of a Stoic heart.
Stoicism isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a way of life. It teaches us to find contentment within ourselves, to appreciate what we have, and to remain resilient in the face of adversity.
As you reflect on these seven signs, consider how they resonate with your experiences. If you find joy in these things, then perhaps you’re more Stoic than you realize.
Did you find value in this post?
If so, why not keep updated and inspired by joining our newsletter below? It’s completely free, and you can opt-out at any time.
Until next time, stay Stoic.
Related Stories from The Stoic Mindset
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.