Stoicism (not what you might thing)

Hey there. For the past few days I have discovered the philosophy of Stoicism. I always avoided it because I equated it with a kind of Spartan mental toughness due to the modern meaning of the word "stoic" but the actual philosophy is not about this. It's quite interesting and I think will have implications for my mental health.


It is not a religion, but many of the principles are similar to Buddhist principles and some to Christian principles. Like Buddhism, Stoicism says that you can't control external events and should focus on your own mind. As someone with mental illness I can't always control my mind but I do have *some* control. Like Buddhism, Stoicism advises to pause before speaking. There is a difference between responding and reacting.


Like Christianity, Stoicism advises to forgive those who wrong you and refrain from judgment. One of the most interesting ideas I've come across in Stoicism is that of not cutting off friends who disappoint you. This is a counterpoint to the modern attitude that a friend who doesn't live up to your expectations is not a "real" friend. Which I think leaves many people friendless. I'm absolutely not talking about people who are abusive or toxic.


Another really interesting idea in Stoicism is not to avoid challenges but seek them out. Also, not to value your success by money or possessions or outcomes but by how hard you worked towards a goal.


Anyway, I'm obviously very new to this philosophy but many with depression seem to be helped by it.