The Stoic Simple Blog

Parenting is quite the adventure, isn’t it? As we guide our children through life, one of the most valuable gifts we can bestow upon them is the model of contentment. Through the lens of Stoic philosophy, let’s explore how to embody this serenity in our daily life, effectively teaching our children by example.

To start, remember that Stoicism teaches us to distinguish between things within our control and those outside it. Imagine a day when you’re stuck in traffic, running late to pick up your child from school. It’s easy to succumb to frustration and anxiety. But by embracing Stoic wisdom, you can acknowledge that traffic is beyond your control, while your response to it is entirely within your hands. Showing your child that you can remain calm and composed amidst such chaos teaches them that their peace isn’t tethered to external circumstances.

Next, let’s discuss the art of acceptance. As parents, we often have expectations for our children: how they should behave, the hobbies they should take up, or the grades they should earn. But Stoicism reminds us of the value in accepting things as they come, rather than as we wish them to be. Suppose your child isn’t passionate about the piano lessons you’re so keen on them attending. Rather than pushing against reality, or showing disappointment, practice acceptance. Your contentment shouldn’t be dictated by whether life aligns with your plans. This is a profound lesson for a child, seeing their parent finding peace in the present moment, irrespective of the situation.

It’s also worth highlighting the Stoic perspective on materialism. In a world filled with advertisements and peer pressure, kids can often get the impression that happiness lies in possessing the latest toy or gadget. Yet, by cultivating a simple lifestyle and showing appreciation for non-materialistic joys, you offer them a different perspective. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy them toys or gifts. But by exuding contentment in simple pleasures – like a walk in the park or reading a book together – you teach them that happiness isn’t just found in tangible possessions.

Additionally, Stoicism encourages us to see setbacks and challenges as opportunities for growth. Remember that scraped knee or the failed math test? These are moments when our children look to us for guidance. By showing them that it’s alright to fall, that it’s a part of growth, and that every challenge is a lesson in disguise, we instill resilience and contentment. Your child will learn to view life’s hurdles not as insurmountable obstacles, but as stepping stones to becoming stronger.

Lastly, and perhaps most crucially, is the idea of gratitude. Stoics believed in regularly contemplating the transient nature of life, which in turn, cultivated a deep sense of gratitude for the present. Make it a habit to share moments of gratitude with your child. It could be as simple as being thankful for a meal or appreciating a sunny day. By regularly expressing and feeling grateful, you’re imprinting on your child’s mind that contentment is rooted in valuing what one has, rather than yearning for what one lacks.

By embracing these Stoic principles and manifesting them in our actions, we can guide our children towards a path of contentment. After all, more than our words, it’s our behavior that leaves an indelible mark on their psyche. So, next time life throws a curveball, remember to wear that Stoic armor of serenity. Your child is watching, learning, and mirroring your path to contentment.

As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for our children. And with the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s a challenge to instill virtues like self-control. Stoic philosophy, with its profound wisdom, offers unique insights that can help in this endeavor.

Remember how Seneca once mentioned the importance of mastering one’s emotions and reactions? Let’s break down how you can convey that to your young one.

The concept of the dichotomy of control is a brilliant starting point. Teach your child to recognize what’s within their control and what’s not. For instance, they can’t control if it rains during their playtime, but they can control how they respond to it. By understanding this difference, they’ll be better equipped to handle disappointments and frustrations. Over time, the simple act of stopping and asking, “Is this within my control?” can cultivate incredible patience and restraint.

But knowing what’s within our control is only the start. Equally important is how we react to our emotions and impulses. Marcus Aurelius often emphasized the significance of taking a pause. When your child feels overwhelmed by anger or sadness, encourage them to take a moment to breathe, to think, and then to act. This little pause can be the difference between a rushed reaction and a measured response.

Visualization can be another powerful tool, derived from the Stoic practice of premeditatio malorum or “premeditating evils.” Now, that sounds a bit gloomy, but for a child, it translates to being prepared. If your daughter is nervous about a school presentation, ask her to imagine the worst-case scenario. What’s the absolute worst that could happen? Maybe she forgets a line or two. By visualizing and then accepting this scenario, she’ll be better prepared to handle her nerves. It’s like practicing in advance for the challenges life might throw at them.

The Stoic emphasis on virtue as the sole good can also be a great lesson in self-control. Virtue, in this context, is all about character and goodness. Instead of getting caught up in external rewards or validation, you can help your child focus on the internal satisfaction of doing the right thing. When they face a dilemma, like whether to share their toy or keep it all to themselves, remind them of the joy and pride that comes from virtuous actions. Over time, this internal compass can become their guiding force.

Lastly, Stoicism teaches us to be content with what we have and to avoid unnecessary desires. In a world of instant gratification and endless desires, this is a crucial lesson. You can foster this by encouraging gratitude in everyday life. Instead of focusing on what they don’t have, help them appreciate what’s already there. This doesn’t mean suppressing desires but understanding the difference between needs and wants. When they learn to appreciate the small things, their self-control muscles get a valuable workout.

Teaching our children self-control is like planting a tree. The efforts you put in now will bear fruit for years to come. Through the lens of Stoic wisdom, you’re not just teaching restraint; you’re fostering resilience, perspective, and inner strength. So the next time your child faces a challenge, remember Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and the timeless wisdom they offer. With patience and consistent effort, you’ll be raising not just a child with self-control but a young Stoic in the making.

Let’s imagine for a moment you’re standing in a serene garden, watching your child enthusiastically engage in play. Amidst the joy, there’s a tug at the back of your mind — a wish for them to grow with a strong sense of responsibility. The good news is that the wisdom of Stoic philosophy can guide you on this parenting journey.

First, let’s begin with the core Stoic teaching: recognizing the difference between things we can control and things we can’t. For our children, this means teaching them that their actions, choices, and reactions are within their realm of control. The outcome of their soccer match or a grade on a quiz? Those are external and might be influenced by factors beyond their control. When they grasp this, they’ll learn to focus on improving their efforts and actions, rather than getting disheartened by outcomes. So, the next time your child frets over a poor test score, guide them to understand the value of studying smarter and consistently, as that’s within their control.

This brings us to the next aspect, the Stoic virtue of courage. Courage in Stoicism isn’t just about facing physical dangers but also about standing firm in one’s values and duties. The small responsibilities we give our kids now, like feeding the family pet or clearing their dishes, aren’t just about those tasks. They’re lessons in commitment, consistency, and accountability. Praise their efforts, not just the results, and you’ll find they start to take pride in their tasks and see them through with determination.

Duty, according to Stoic philosophy, is bound to the concept of roles. Every role we play — be it as a parent, child, sibling, or student — comes with certain duties attached. Talk to your child about their role in the family, in school, and in the community. Help them see that just as you have duties as a parent to provide and care, they too have duties as a child and a student. The joy of fulfilling one’s duty, according to the Stoics, is its own reward.

Stoics also believe in developing wisdom through reflection. This means getting our kids to ponder their actions and the consequences. Let’s say your child forgets their homework at home. Instead of rushing to deliver it, have a calm conversation about responsibility. Ask them how they feel about the situation and what they might do differently next time. Such reflective practices will help them become more self-aware and proactive in the future.

And of course, let’s not forget the Stoic idea of moderation. It’s tempting to overload our kids with tasks, hoping they’ll learn responsibility faster. But Stoicism reminds us to find balance. A child overwhelmed with tasks might end up resenting responsibility rather than embracing it. It’s okay for them to have downtime, to play, and to be kids. Moderation helps them value their tasks and not see them as burdens.

Lastly, embody Stoic principles yourself. Children often learn more from what they see than what they hear. If they observe you handling challenges with grace, maintaining your commitments, and reflecting on your actions, they’ll naturally be inclined to emulate that behavior.

Remember, every child grows at their own pace, and every lesson takes its own time to sink in. Through the lens of Stoicism, teaching responsibility becomes less about ticking tasks off a list and more about nurturing a mindset. One day, looking back, you’ll not just see a responsible adult but one who handles life’s ups and downs with a graceful resilience that Stoicism so beautifully embodies.

Every parent wants to see their child happy and thriving. But life, with all its ups and downs, is bound to bring moments of disappointment even to the youngest of hearts. Whether it’s not making the soccer team or a toy breaking on the first day, these moments can seem earth-shattering to an elementary school-aged child. As parents, how can we help? Interestingly, the ancient wisdom of Stoic philosophy provides tools that are surprisingly relevant even today.

Imagine a scenario where your child comes home with tears in their eyes because they didn’t get the lead role in the school play. The raw emotion is palpable. Now, let’s dive into Stoic techniques that can help.

Recognizing What’s Within Control: First and foremost, stoics emphasize understanding the distinction between things we can control and things we cannot. Encourage your child to recognize that they cannot control the decisions of the play’s director, but they can control their reaction and future actions. It might sound something like this: “Sweetheart, I understand you’re disappointed, but remember, you did your best. Not getting the role doesn’t mean you’re not talented. What can you do now? Maybe you can focus on doing an even better job in a supporting role or learn for the next audition.”

Reframing Perspective: Marcus Aurelius, a renowned Stoic emperor, believed in the power of our minds to shape our perception. Encouraging your child to shift perspective can mitigate disappointment. “I know you wanted that toy badly, but think about all the other toys you have and the fun you can have with them. And sometimes, things break. It’s a part of life.”

Viewing Obstacles as Opportunities: Epictetus, another Stoic sage, famously said that every difficulty in life presents an opportunity to turn it into a benefit. Engage your child in a conversation about the hidden blessings in their disappointments. Missing a friend’s birthday party because of a cold might mean they get to spend quality time with you at home, reading stories and baking cookies.

Focusing on Virtue and Character: Stoics believe that the ultimate good in life is a virtuous character. It’s not about external outcomes but rather the qualities we develop within. When faced with disappointment, ask your child, “What can you learn from this? How can you become stronger, wiser, or more patient?” By focusing on virtues, you’re teaching them that setbacks are stepping stones to becoming a better person.

Practicing Gratitude: While not exclusively a Stoic practice, gratitude is closely aligned with Stoic values. Encouraging your child to focus on what they have, rather than what they lack, is crucial. When a playdate is canceled, for example, remind them of the times when they did have fun playdates, and the many more to come.

It’s worth noting that while these techniques are rooted in Stoic philosophy, patience and compassion from parents are irreplaceable. Sometimes, your child just needs a listening ear, a hug, or some time to process their feelings. Stoicism offers tools, not replacements for genuine parental love and understanding.

By integrating these Stoic strategies into our daily conversations with our children, we are not only equipping them to handle disappointments in their childhood but also providing them with lifelong tools. The path to resilience, patience, and wisdom often starts with understanding and navigating life’s setbacks. And as we guide our children through these challenges, we might just find ourselves becoming more Stoic and centered in the process.

When we think of Stoicism, we often imagine stoic individuals enduring hardship without complaint. However, Stoicism also has a deep reservoir of wisdom on cultivating virtues and understanding our common humanity. So, if you’re wondering how to foster empathy in your child using Stoic teachings, you’ve chosen an insightful path. Here’s how you can go about it:

Stoicism teaches us about the interconnectedness of all human beings. Remember Marcus Aurelius’ famous words: “What injures the hive injures the bee.” Help your child understand that everyone, including themselves, is part of a broader human community. By being kind, understanding, and compassionate, they’re not just helping others; they’re also nurturing their own soul. A simple practice to introduce this concept is to talk about a person’s day, emphasizing shared experiences. Discussing how someone else might have felt during a situation can bridge the gap between self and others.

Another crucial Stoic teaching is the idea of the dichotomy of control: we control our actions and reactions, but not external events or how others feel. Empathy requires us to imagine ourselves in another’s shoes without getting lost in the drama of their situation. Encourage your child to recognize and respect feelings, even when they don’t understand or share them. A simple question like, “How do you think that made them feel?” can go a long way.

Next, consider the Stoic emphasis on self-awareness and reflection. Seneca once mentioned, “We are more often frightened than hurt; and we suffer more in imagination than in reality.” Our perceptions play a massive role in our reactions. A child who can recognize and reflect on their own feelings is better equipped to understand others’ emotions. To foster this, create a safe space for your child to express their feelings and thoughts openly. When they’re upset or overwhelmed, rather than telling them how to feel, ask them to explain their emotions. This not only allows them to process their feelings but also gives them a framework for understanding that others have complex emotions too.

A less talked about, but equally potent Stoic technique, is negative visualization. This doesn’t mean being pessimistic, but rather contemplating adverse scenarios to appreciate the present more deeply. For children, this can be a gentle exercise. For example, after reading a story about a character facing challenges, you can guide your child to reflect on the feelings and emotions of that character. This helps them to appreciate their current situation and fosters an empathetic perspective towards those less fortunate.

Lastly, but most importantly, lead by example. Stoics believed that philosophy isn’t just something to talk about; it’s something to live by. If you want your child to be empathetic, be the beacon of empathy yourself. Display understanding, patience, and kindness in your interactions. When faced with difficult situations, model Stoic calm and empathy. Children often learn more from what they see than from what they’re told.

Empathy isn’t just a trait; it’s a skill that’s honed over time. With the rich teachings of Stoicism as your guide, you’re well on your way to nurturing an empathetic, understanding, and compassionate young individual. The world can certainly do with more people who understand the deep bond of shared humanity and act on it. And with your guidance, your child will be one of them.

Every parent has faced it – that challenging moment when our beloved little one decides to act out, throw a tantrum, or stubbornly dig their heels in. The noise, the tears, and the sheer determination can be enough to rattle even the most patient parent. However, Stoic philosophy, with its emphasis on inner tranquility and understanding of external events, can offer invaluable guidance in these testing moments.

When Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor and Stoic, wrote his personal journal, “Meditations,” he wasn’t speaking directly to parents of the 21st century. But his words are timeless. “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” This is a critical reminder for any parent. Your child’s behavior is an external event. While you can influence and guide them, you cannot fully control their actions or emotions. What you can control, however, is your reaction.

Imagine your child is throwing a tantrum in the middle of the grocery store. Instead of growing frustrated, a Stoic approach would be to acknowledge the event without allowing it to disturb your inner peace. It’s essential to recognize that your child’s behavior isn’t a reflection of your worth or abilities as a parent. Children are in the process of learning how to navigate the world, and emotional outbursts are a part of that journey. It’s their way of communicating, albeit not the most effective or pleasant one.

Seneca, another prominent Stoic, once remarked that “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” So, when our child acts out, we might project into the future, imagining the worst-case scenarios or fearing judgment from others. In these moments, a Stoic would advise you to step back and focus on the present. Ask yourself: “What is happening right now? Is it truly as bad as I’m making it out to be in my mind?” More often than not, you’ll find that the situation is manageable, and these projections are merely amplifying your distress.

The Stoics also emphasize the impermanence of life. Everything is in a state of flux, including the challenging phases of childhood. The next time your child acts out, remind yourself that this too shall pass. The tantrums, the defiance, and the testing of boundaries are temporary stages. With time, patience, and guidance, they’ll grow out of it. Holding onto this perspective can be immensely grounding when you feel overwhelmed by their behavior.

Lastly, let’s turn to the Stoic concept of sympatheia – the interconnectedness of all things. Understanding that our child’s behavior might be influenced by various factors outside of our control can offer solace. Perhaps they had a rough day at school, or they’re coming down with a cold, or they’re just tired. Remembering that children, like all of us, are complex beings affected by countless external events can foster compassion instead of frustration.

So, the next time your child acts out, and you feel your patience waning, channel the wisdom of the Stoics. Breathe deeply, focus on the present, remember the transient nature of life, and approach the situation with understanding and empathy. With practice, you’ll find that you can navigate the challenges of parenting with a calm and composed demeanor, regardless of the storms that come your way.

As parents, we often find ourselves grappling with the challenge of fostering patience in our kids. The endless “Are we there yet?” on long car rides or the restless waiting for their birthday to arrive can make us wonder, “How can I teach my child to be patient?” Well, Stoic philosophy, a school of thought that has been guiding individuals for centuries, has some valuable insights on this very topic.

Firstly, let’s look at the concept of control. One of the core teachings of Stoicism is understanding the difference between what we can control and what we can’t. By communicating to your child that certain things, like time or the actions of others, are beyond their control, you’re setting the foundation for patience. If your little one is waiting for it to stop raining to go out and play, remind them that the weather is one of those things we can’t change, no matter how much we wish we could. Instead, it’s about accepting the current moment as it is, finding joy or purpose within it, and being patient until circumstances change.

Now, while we’re on the topic of acceptance, it’s worth highlighting the Stoic principle of viewing obstacles as opportunities. When your child is faced with a delay or a setback, encourage them to see it as a chance to learn or grow. For instance, if they’re frustrated about not being able to tie their shoelaces quickly, frame it as an opportunity to master a new skill. Over time, this perspective shift can build resilience and promote a natural patience as they start viewing challenges not as annoyances but as stepping stones.

Next, consider the value of reflection. Stoics believe in the power of introspection. Create a routine with your child where they reflect on their day. Maybe it’s a quiet chat before bedtime, where they share what made them impatient or what they learned from waiting. This exercise not only makes them more self-aware but also helps them identify patterns and triggers for their impatience. Plus, it’s a beautiful way for you two to bond and for you to guide them gently towards more patient behaviors.

Visualization is another tool at our disposal. Encourage your child to visualize the outcome of being patient. If they’re struggling with waiting for their turn on the swing, ask them to imagine the feeling of swinging high and the joy it brings. By keeping their eye on the prize, the waiting period becomes more bearable, and the reward seems even more worth the wait.

Lastly, the Stoics are big on leading by example. As the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words. If you display patience in your daily life, whether it’s while waiting in line at the grocery store or when dealing with a stubborn jar lid, your child will notice. They look up to you, and by modeling the virtues of patience, you’re offering them a real-life demonstration of its value.

Incorporating Stoic teachings into our parenting can indeed be a transformative experience. As with all things, it’s a journey, and there will be times when your child’s patience wanes. That’s okay. Remember, every moment is an opportunity, and with consistent guidance, your child will find their way to patience, embracing life’s ebb and flow with grace and understanding.

Stoicism is an elegant philosophy that can help us live happier, more meaningful lives. People have been writing about Stoic thinking for thousands of years, and the lessons of ancient (and modern) Stoicism teachers are full of inspiring ideas for how we can practice better parenting.

Parents who want to learn strategies for raising children should consider multiple approaches, but we hope you’ll include Stoicism in your set of “parenting blueprints.” Here’s a list of Stoic strategies for dealing with specific challenges in parenting that will show you how to use time-tested, ancient wisdom in raising your kids.

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Every parent wants their child to thrive, even in the face of life’s inevitable challenges. By embracing Stoic principles, we can teach our kids to be more resilient, developing their ability to handle setbacks with grace and courage.

Imagine your child’s mind as a garden. Just like you’d want to cultivate sturdy plants that can withstand storms, you’d want your child’s mental framework to be robust. Stoic philosophy offers insights that can serve as powerful tools in nurturing such resilience.

1. Recognize What’s Within Control: One of the foundational tenets of Stoicism is understanding the distinction between things we can control and things we can’t. It’s easy for kids to become overwhelmed by situations that are out of their hands. Next time your child frets over a rainy day ruining their outdoor plans, remind them, “We can’t control the weather, but we can control how we respond to it.” Encouraging them to shift focus to activities they can do indoors can be a small but effective lesson in adaptability.

2. View Challenges as Opportunities: Marcus Aurelius once said, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” It’s a fancy way of saying that obstacles can be turned into opportunities. Let’s say your child is upset about not making the soccer team. Instead of ruminating on the disappointment, encourage them to see this as a chance to discover a new hobby or to improve their skills for the next tryout. By reframing setbacks as opportunities, children can learn to approach difficulties with optimism.

3. Cultivate Inner Strength: Epictetus, another Stoic heavyweight, believed that external events don’t disturb us, but our perceptions of them do. So, when your child is upset because a friend didn’t invite them to a birthday party, it’s an opportunity to discuss feelings and perceptions. You might say, “It’s natural to feel hurt, but remember, we can’t make everyone like us or control their choices. What matters is how we feel about ourselves.” By encouraging inner validation, you’re laying the foundation for self-confidence and emotional self-sufficiency.

4. Practice Gratitude: Stoicism teaches us to appreciate what we have instead of lamenting what we don’t. A simple practice, like discussing one thing you’re grateful for at dinner, can help your child focus on the positive aspects of their life. This isn’t about ignoring problems, but about framing them in a larger, more balanced context.

5. Encourage Reflection: The Stoics were big on self-reflection. They believed in taking time to assess one’s actions, thoughts, and feelings. Encourage your child to spend a few minutes each evening reflecting on their day. You can ask questions like, “What made you happy today?” or “Was there a moment you felt proud of yourself?” This can not only strengthen their introspection but also fortify their understanding of themselves and their reactions to the world around them.

By weaving these Stoic principles into everyday conversations and activities, you’ll be providing your child with a robust framework for resilience. The beauty of Stoicism is its practicality; it’s not just a philosophy to be studied but a way of life to be lived.

Over time, as your child grows, they’ll face bigger challenges and more complex emotions. But with the foundation you’re laying now, they’ll be better equipped to navigate the rough seas of life. Remember, resilience isn’t about avoiding hardships, but about learning, growing, and thriving amidst them.

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Phil Van Treuren, 7-29-23

The much-loved impressionist painter Claude Monet was born in 1840, and lived long before the development of computers and artificial intelligence. His artwork is particularly well-suited, however, to use in a new generation of AI animation tools — thanks to the unfocused, dreamlike qualities of his most famous paintings, their organic, natural settings and his use of vibrant colors and spatial imprecision.

Generative AI, Dreaming & Impressionism

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When I started experimenting with early generative AI image creation programs like DALL·E from OpenAI, I quickly noticed that the visuals they produced had a lot in common with dreams.

In the first generations of these programs, the images generated from text prompts usually had a dreamlike quality of “almost right, but not quite.” Hands would have too many fingers; written text would be nonsensical; subjects would sometimes warp into strange mutations that still had an oddly logical, unconstrained “flow” to them from a dreamer’s perspective.

Because of the “canvas of dreams” quality that these early generative AI images had, it was a great tool for producing impressionist artwork that you might see from Monet, Renoir, Degas and others. There’s nothing that feels “unnatural” about an impressionist oil painting that has imperfect spacial ratios, blurry horizons and messy brushstrokes.

Newer, more advanced versions of image generators like Stable Diffusion are now able to produce photo-quality pictures that are almost indistinguishable from real life (if that’s what you want them to do). They’ll also create static visual art in any style that you can discribe in a text prompt. Gone are most of the dreamlike morphs and mutations that were common in early AI images.

Video Generation: A New Playground for Artificial Intelligence

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AI video generation is the new kid on the block now, and it’s interesting to observe that these first attempts at text-to-video has the same “dreamscape” feel that early text-to-image had. In fact, the short moving clips that we’re starting to to be able to produce with generative artificial intelligence have an even more dreamlike quality to them.

As before, this means that these new (and still sort of primitive) AI video tools are fun platforms to use for experimenting with content that has an impressionist feel. (Trying to get them to animate realistic, photo-quality stuff produces occasionally impressive stuff, but it the results are more often nightmarish.)

That’s not to say that this technology won’t get much better . . . and very quickly, too. Right now you can only generate three-second video clips, but I’d be surprised if movie-length stuff isn’t possible in a few years.

To get these results, I used a new tool from PikaLabs that’s still in closed beta testing, but the technology is already really impressive — and really fun to mess around with. You can simply give it a text prompt and see what the AI generates from text alone, or upload your own image for it to animate (as I did with these Monet paintings).

I chose animations of 43 different Monet paintings to include in this video. It was a fun project, but I wouldn’t say it was quick or easy to do. Some of them took dozens of attempts to finally get a three-second animation that looked good enough. (You’ll notice that in the clip of a train station, the locomotive is actually pulling into the station backwards.)

The piano music I used in the video is Erik Satie’s first Gymnopedie.

I know there’s a lot of animosity toward generative AI from some artists, writers and actors, and I can certainly understand their point of view. I wrote more about my thoughts on the topic in this article, which I hope you’ll check out if you get a chance.

Regardless of how you feel about artificial intelligence, I hope you’ll learn to embrace it and explore how it can help you live a more creative and fulfilling life. It’s not going away and will only become a bigger part of the human experience as time passes, after all.

I’ll add one more bit of info, which I hope you’ll take to heart: almost all of the research, editing, video creation and writing for this project was done on my cell phone, with my thumbs, in my spare time.

No one taught me how to do any of it, but I had to learn to use some technology that I wasn’t comfortable with a year ago.

You can do this kind of stuff too, regardless of your age or experiences. Embrace uncomfortable change, use it to become better, and don’t let anything about the future intimidate you.