Andorra Trip 2026 - Day 4 thru 8
The Remainder of Our Trip
I got back onto the snow today so the trip was not a complete bust. I don’t like to sound like a ski snob, but the skiing in Andorra is not all that impressive. Lots of blue trails and very few black runs. The blacks are short pitches with thin cover and they can’t hold a candle to the likes of Alta and Snowbird. It seems like the blues are what the locals prefer so that’s what the resort caters to. Like everywhere else around the world this year, the snow cover is thin. The greens and blues are well covered because they make a ton of snow so that’s where the only real action is. Skiing in Europe for age 75 and up is free everywhere, so it might make sense to come back in three years to some place like Les Trois Valles, if they are still granting visas to Americans.
After we used up our six-day pass, we made our way back to Barcelona for two days of sight-seeing. Barcelona is beautiful. It’s a very livable city, pedestrian friendly. The food is excellent and the people don’t hate Americans yet. My only real critique as far as this trip is involved is that the travel time is disproportionate to our length of stay in-country. It would be better next time to plan a minimum two week stay.
A Year of Living Stoically - January 21, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 102
Live fully, disengage from pointless grief, foolish joy, greedy desire, and pointless social amusements. In other words, say “no” to those things that aren’t moving you forward. Say no to pointless emotions and tasks that provide no benefit. If you can’t say no when appropriate, you will find your life driven by things that provide no real destination.
A Year of Living Stoically - January 22, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 103
Keep in mind the best way to honor the present moment is to look at it with gratitude. Always try to see what is at the end of the path you are on, rather than wait to see what that looks like when you get there.
Remember these three things:
- Control you perceptions.
- Direct your actions toward your goal.
- Willingly accept what’s outside your control.
A Year of Living Stoically - January 23, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 104
Keep a clear picture of your intentions. Keep the end in view. When you make a plan, don’t start out on the plan before you have a clear picture of the destination.
As the Stoics say:
”Having an end is mind is no guarantee you will reach it. Not having an end in mind is a guarantee you will not reach it.”
A Year of Living Stoically - January 24, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 105
Our job is to discover why we are here. If you can’t answer that question, you are living without a purpose. Take time every day to think about who you are, so that when you are asked that question you will be prepared to give a clear answer.
A Year of Living Stoically - January 25, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 106
The work of the mind is comprised of the following.
| Task | Explaination |
|---|---|
| Choice | to do and think right |
| Refusal | of temptation |
| Yearning | to be better |
| Rejection | of negativity |
| Preparation | for what may be coming |
| Purpose | what is our highest priority |
| Clarity | understanding what is in our control |
A Year of Living Stoically - January 26, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 107
We can control our thoughts, our actions, our speech, our bodies, but we cannot control what is outside of ourselves. If we let anything that is outside of ourselves control any of these things we are no longer free. If we can exercise control, our reward will be freedom and clarity.
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 108
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 108
One of the highest forms of being is to seek tranquility. All action aimed at tranquility has to be determined by applying sound judgement. Bringing order to events by applying sound judgement is key. Use reason to picture the outcome you seek but do not allow personal desire to alter the picture. Doing so will move you away from the outcome, not toward it.
A Year of Living Stoically - January 28, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 109
Serenity is the result of our choices. It does not rely on place or circumstance, who we are with or what we are doing. Serenity is a choice we make and that choice is wholly determined within our own mind.
A Year of Living Stoically - January 29, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 110
There are many paths to serenity but one that is proven to help move you in that direction is the notion of control. Exercise control over those things that are within your agency. Exercising control requires constant reflection and adjustment throughout the day. When you retire at night, tell yourself you will do it all again tomorrow.
A Year of Living Stoically - January 30, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 111
We are besieged by thoughts of things that need doing or buying. Temptations like food and entertainment. What are the things that matter and how do we stay focused on them. The answer is we must strive to be more than a pawn to these forces. We must counter them by knowing our values and keeping them in the forefront of our consciousness. Listen to the inner voice that knows what you need to do to focus your life.
A Year of Living Stoically - January 31, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 112
There are two ways to live.
One way to live is to constantly be questioning. First accepting ideas then rejecting them for another.
That is thinking like the wind.
Another way to live is to employ our judgement. When we rely on the opinion of others we are at the mercy of others. When we rely on our judgement we can achieve tranquility.
That is thinking with judgement.
The employment of judgement must be based on sound principles. Sound principles means using our welfare, the welfare of others, and the knowledge of verified experts as our guide.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 1, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 113
Rote behavior is the death of all creative thought. “Because that is the way I have always done it” is no answer. Everything requires thought and questioning. Always ask, is this really the best way to do what I am doing? Always ask, is this the right reason?
A Year of Living Stoically - February 2, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 114
We have our work, and as the saying goes, “our work will set us free.” That is not talking about the work we do to earn a living. That is talking about the work we do to make ourselves a better person. Our work directly plays into the quality of our life and how well we are able to deal with the world around us. We have the best teachers in the world: The Stoic philosophers, the Hindi philosophers, the Chinese philosophers, the Christian philosophers, and so many more. All we need to do is realize the path is their for our understanding and put in the work.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 3, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 115
Look at the world like a poet or an artist. Learn to see the beauty in ordinary things. Observe and take note. Doing so will reveal to you the beauty in the world and your reward will be greater happiness.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 4, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 116
We all have times of success and times of failure. Life might be easier for some than for others. There is only one thing we need to focus on, that which is in our control. The things that are not in our control, if we spend too much energy on them, will move us away from our goal, not closer. What matters is our choices. Think before choosing.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 5, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 117
Take time to pet the cat. He needs love as much as you do. By giving love we will ultimately receive more love in return. Often it will come to us unexpectedly.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 6, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 118
Epictetus asks us to consider three questions each morning:
- What did I do yesterday that did not move me toward serenity?
- What did I do yesterday that was unkind, unsocial or uncaring?
- What changes do I need to make today to avoid these failures?
Answers can be obtained by spending a few minutes meditating on our experiences from yesterday. We can’t progress unless we understand what it is we need to be doing.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 7, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 119
Restart life every day. Make an effort to see the same things in a different light. What happened yesterday is in the past. The door is open for us to move forward. We have the power to restart.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 8, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 120
Ask yourself this question whenever you are about to find fault with someone: “What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?”
A Year of Living Stoically - February 9, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 121
Pick out someone wise and study them. Observe what they do as well as what they don’t do. Make it your job to emulate them to the best of your ability. Let them serve as your model and your inspiration.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 10, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 122
Don’t spend time overthinking the simple stuff. Invariably the small things take care of themselves. Our job is to take care of what is in front of us, whatever that is today. Focus on that and do the best we can. Getting lost in distractions or other people’s business prevents us from reaching today’s goal. By approaching today’s goal with clarity we will not only achieve that goal, but as an added benefit, we will also achieve serenity.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 11, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 123
- Don’t start your day by picking up your phone.
- Don’t eat in a hurry.
- Drink water before coffee.
- Avoid things that cause stress.
- Avoid overexposure to noise.
- Go outside.
- Pay attention to your breathing.
- Don’t end your day by picking up your phone.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 12, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 124
The secret to life, according to Marcus Aurelius, is to keep an untroubled spirit. In other words, think positively not negatively. If you hear someone speaking negatively, consider it chatter and dismiss it. “The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.” Mind and reality are a closed loop. Thoughts create words, words create actions, actions create thoughts. It all starts with your mind and how you engage it.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 13, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 125
Spend a few minutes at the end of each day examining how you lived. If you don’t take stock of your day you will be prone to repeating mistakes over and over. Writing is practicing. Writing at the beginning and end of each day is good exercise for your mind and can help you grow.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 14, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 126
While money is important for living, having money never fixes what is wrong inside of us.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 15, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 127
The more desires we have the less free we are. Our goals need to be in keeping with our means and our ability. Having goals we cannot achieve binds us and ultimately inhibits our growth.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 16, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 128
Look at the world around you and seek out that which is good. Once you notice the good around you, acknowledge it. This will free you from the evil that would otherwise weigh you down.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 17, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 129
There are three question that we should keep foremost in our consciousness throughout the day:
- Desire. Are we letting it dictate our actions?
- Impulse. Are we acting impulsively or for the right reasons?
- Reason. Are we using reason to guide our actions?
Journal Entry - January 25, 2026
Conspiracy
The only conspiracy in America is the conspiracy by the current administration to convince Americans that there are conspiracies in America.
George Orwell put it succinctly in the novel “1984.”
”The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears.”
To see the truth takes discernment and willingness.
Journal Entry - January 26, 2026
ICE
Let’s get ICE off our streets and into our beverages.
I’m not making light of our situation. ICE is focused on rounding up the wrong people. Illegal immigration is not a felony. There are plenty of felons in Washington D.C. that should be arrested and brought to justice before we get obsessed with illegal immigration.
Journal Entry - February 1, 2026
Meditation Journey Begins
This morning I meditated for twenty minutes before my little shrine here at my writing desk. I call it a shrine but I’m not really invoking any deity in this practice. I’m just trying to get in touch with myself. This is a relatively new routine, but already I’m feeling comfortable with it. I was going to take up TM, but my engagement with the local TM instructor here in Central Oregon left me uncertain if the two of us should proceed. So, as a result, I’m striking out on my own meditation journey with high hopes that I know as much about my body and its needs as someone that doesn’t know me.
Journal Entry - February 2, 2026
Maps
Some say using Apple Maps is a sign of weakness. I’ve heard this from loved ones and also from my neurologist. I contend that using Maps is a way to make driving more fun. It allows me to focus on the road, the surface conditions, the curves, the behavior of the cars around me. It also, gives me the freedom to observe the scenery around me! I just have to say, give it a try, you just might find, like I have, it improves your driving experience, both from a safety and from an enjoyment perspective.
I don’t think there’s any real reason to drive without maps. YMMV.
Journal Entry - February 3, 2026
Wait List
I’m on the waitlist for Adventure Cycling’s 50th Anniversary North Star tour. That is the epic ride from the home base of Adventure Cycling, Missoula Montana, to Fairbanks Alaska.
That ride is a 61 day self-contained adventure over paved and gravel roads covering 2,800 miles. Not for the feint of heart. This would be the culmination of a touring career. If I don’t make the waitlist I’m planning to take on the ride solo.
Journal Entry - February 4, 2026
What’s Wrong with Book Clubs?
It’s certainly okay to pick up a book simply for the pleasure involved. I find myself taking a slightly different approach. I prefer to read with purpose. A lot of people in book clubs aren’t reading with purpose. What does it mean to read with purpose? Not all books were written for all people to pick up at any time. Your brain and hence your reading experience will benefit most when you read material your mind says you need now. Pick and choose what you are craving at the moment, even if it’s not a work your neighbor tells you is a “must read.” The question then comes down to, how to read with purpose? The short answer is, read what you are curious about at the moment.
One way to do that is to read books around a topic that you are interested in. This approach will help you to link knowledge and absorb what you are reading more deeply. This could even mean bypassing good books, or even leaving some books unfinished, that’s okay. Life is short. Dedicate the time you have for reading to a higher purpose. There is no reason to read a book that does not have something that increases our knowledge or gives us some insight that we are seeking when we reach the end.
Now that I have that off my chest, I will say I occasionally attend my neighborhood book club meeting. I don’t do it for the reasons stated above simply because the group is usually not reading works I would have chosen. I do it to be a good neighbor. Interaction of this sort is another form of nourishment, it’s just not one that feeds my curiosity or enhances my knowledge of myself or some topic that is exciting to me.
Journal Entry - February 5, 2026
TM Mantras for Self-Practitioners
These mantras were taken from Wikipedia. They are not “official” TM mantras but they are similar in spirit and practice to a mantra you would be given by an official TM instructor. The purpose is to provide a soothing sound that you can use to help you settle into a deeper state of consciousness without prompting your mind to draw images or thoughts during practice. Choose a sound the works best for you.
- Shama (pronounced “SHAH-mah”)
- Len (pronounced “EE-ehm”)
- Enga (pronounced “ENG-gah”)
- Kirim (pronounced “KEE-rim”)
- Shirim (pronounced “SHEE-rim”)
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple mantra-based meditation technique introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s.
Repeat your chosen mantra and let thoughts come and go as they please. (This is the opposite of Mindfulness.) Practice for 20 minutes twice a day, typically soon after waking up and again later in the day. The first practice of the day is recommended before coffee or breakfast. Sit comfortably, set a timer if you prefer. Relax and breathe before starting the mantra. Begin by letting the mantra work its way into your mind naturally. When your practice is finished, keep your eyes closed and allow yourself to slowly return to your day. If you find your mind carried off by thoughts during your practice gently remind your mind to return to the mantra. This is a natural part of training your mind to settle and meditate. No two practice sessions are alike, it’s best to approach a session without expectations.
The benefits of this meditation are achieved by regular practice. Journaling after a practice session is optional but may have additional benefits if you are the sort of person that enjoys writing. Don’t worry if you are doing it “right” or “wrong,” the key is to be consistent and do the best you can, after all, that is why it’s called “practice.”
Journal Entry - February 06, 2026
Remembering Alex Pretti
A poem by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman.
We wake with no words,
just woe & wound.
Our own country shooting us in the back
is not just brutality; it’s jarring betrayal;
not enforcement, but execution.
A message: Love your people & you will die.
Yet our greatest threat isn’t the outsiders among us,
but those among us who never look within.
Fear not those without papers,
but those without conscience.
Know that to care intensively, united,
is to carry both pain-dark horror for today
& a profound, daring hope for tomorrow.
We can feel we have nothing to give,
& still believe this world waiting,
trembling to change.
If we cannot find words, may we find the will;
if we ever lose hope,
may we never lose our humanity.
The only undying thing is mercy,
the courage to open ourselves like doors,
hug our neighbor, & save one more bright, impossible life.
This poem brings tears to my eyes.
The execution of an American citizen legally carrying and disarmed before he was shot 10 times in the back while being restrained without resisting should be enough for any American, Christian Nationalist or Goth Tattooed Barber, to say enough is enough. The President of the United States is a bigoted, narcissistic, megalomaniac. If you follow him, you need to ask yourself, is this really the teaching Jesus would have me follow? (Or, if you don’t believe in Jesus, how about any decent human being?)
Journal Entry - February 07, 2026
Weakness or Strength?
Sadly, I can’t smoke pot. I can’t inhale anything that is not clear of particulates. This makes me weak. An anomaly. I admit that. Someone relegated to the chromosomal scrap-heap of history. But perhaps, just perhaps, that gives me an advantage. Perhaps that forces me to think more reflectively. I ask you to consider my words. I don’t care who you are. If you consider, even minimally, my thoughts, I am humbled. (Of course, the less you’ve smoked when you do so the better…)
Journal Entry - February 08, 2026
Life
Sports can often be viewed a metaphor for life. Sometimes you have to pass the ball back in order to move it forward. I apologize for my bad passes.
Journal Entry - February 09, 2026
Noise
Life is bigger than the loudest thing in the room. Constant immersion in the latest news will lead us away from peace, caring, and love.
Journal Entry - February 10, 2026
Worry
Thank you “Daily Buddhist.”
Journal Entry - February 11, 2026
Living With Intention
Here are, in a few words, are some guidelines for living. There are many ways to live with intention. Our job is to find the ways that work best for us. Living with intention frees us to experience the things in life that are beautiful, and dismiss those things that are distractions. Practice these things upon waking and when retiring at night.
When you wake in the morning, say to yourself:
- I have control of how the day will unfold and how I will perceive it.
- What is my goal for today, and what actions will that goal require.
- I will accept those things that fall outside of my control.
Before lying down to sleep at night, say to youself:
- Nothing is required of me. The day is complete.
- I am safe in this moment.
- I allow my body to let go which gives my mind permission to follow.
Journal Entry - February 12, 2026
Cats
Cats are Buddhist Monks in disguise.
Journal Entry - February 13, 2026
Moral Crisis
There is a moral crisis in American. Nothing else can explain why 77 million Americans voted for Donald Trump. If you tell me it’s because his leadership is the reason why your 401K is doing well, I rest my case.
Journal Entry - February 14, 2026
Living With intention
Here are, in a few words, are some guidelines for living. There are many ways to live with intention. Our job is to find the ways that work best for us. Living with intention frees us to experience the things in life that are beautiful, and dismiss those things that are distractions. Keep these things in mind throughout the day.
- The best breakfast is no breakfast.
- Do not speak negatively about yourself.
- You are needed by someone.
- You will find peace in stillness.
- Keep your thoughts private unless there is a purpose in sharing them.
- Eat two meals a day, eight hours apart.
- Drink water.
- Avoid snacks.
- Shower at night instead of in the morning.
- Exercise.
Journal Entry - February 15, 2026
Types of People
Einstein once said:
Weak people seek revenge.
Strong people forgive.
Intelligent people ignore.
I recently got into a discussion on Facebook over a post. I received a message from someone that was upset by what I had said. I responded by trying to explain why their position was wrong. The conversation did not go well. I then responded and told the person I loved them anyway. The conversation ended when the person responded again, I choose to delete that response without reading it.
I guess that means I’m weak and strong and intelligent…
There is one more lesson in this story, there is no arguing with stupid people… For the record, that last sentence probably means I’m weak despite my best efforts to pretend otherwise.
Journal Entry - February 16, 2026
I Feel Better Today
I went to whitehouse.gov and submitted the following on the contact form there:
“I have voted Republican in the past. I do not approve of the immigration enforcement tactics or policy as currently managed by President Trump and his appointees, including Kristi Noem. I believe the current operations of ICE are unconstitutional and criminal. I’m writing to ask you to cease and desist all ICE operations immediately and apologize to the American people for the harm you have done to America: Harm to her own people and harm to our country’s reputation as viewed by citizens of other countries around the world.”
I had to acknowledge the following disclaimer:
These messages are being captured and archived in compliance with the Presidential Records Act or the Federal Records Act.
Not only has President Trump documented my personal opinion as an official presidential record, if there is any confusion about how I feel, he can always look here to resolve any doubt he may have. That made me feel better too.
As a reward for reaching out, I received a text containing contact information. The photo of the President can best be described as a mugshot. (That could be considered wishful thinking I suppose.) It probably came straight out of his “Mugshot Trading Card” collection that he has proudly hawked as part of his personal profiteering efforts.
Journal Entry - February 17, 2026
Healthy Elixers
These recipes are good for heart, organs, and brain.
Drink this in the morning
Boil for 10 minutes
- 1 cup Water
- 1 Beet Root washed, chopped
- 1 slice Ginger
- Juice of 1 Lemon
Drink this in the evening
Boil for 10 minutes
- 1 cup Water
- 1 Green Apple washed, chopped
- 1 stick Cinnamon
- 3 Tbsp Tumeric
Journal Entry - February 18, 2026
The Power of a Mantra
The word mantra in Sanskrit means “sacred utterance.” Using a mantra is settling and can provide the ability to focus on what we need to move forward. It can also block what is working against us. In short, it can give us a path to clarity.
Journal Entry - February 19, 2026
My 401K Is Up
Your 401K might be up, but at what cost?
Is it worth it to be told Obama Care is bad and a better replacement is coming… and you’ve been hearing that for 9 years?
Is it worth it when the press and television are being censored at the insistence of the President of the United States?
Is it worth it when your First Amendment rights are being trampled?
Is it worth it to have a para-military organization deployed to American cities and the National Guard Federalized to provide immigration enforcement?
Is it worth it to have American citizens harassed and detained without a warrant?
Is it worth it to have American citizens murdered by agents of the federal government?
Is it worth it when you have a president that has more time for selling his personalized merchandise than he has for working on legislation to fix the problems he complains about on a daily basis?
Is it worth it to support a political party that does nothing else but provide financial enrichment to America’s most wealthy business people?
Is it worth it to support a political party that blames the opposition for every woe they can contrive with no solution other than saying the we alone can fix it?
And consider this if you will, what evidence do you have that says your 401K would not have done as well, or even better, if you had voted differently? There is more to life than money. Sometimes we need to make choices that will help our brothers and sisters, even if it means we won’t profit quite as much from the stock market as we might have hoped.
Journal Entry - February 20, 2026
Sucked in Again
I got sucked into Substack again. I know better. At some point I’m going to have to remove that app from my phone. But today was another lesson in restraint. Believe it or not, I’m getting better at restraint even though today’s events wouldn’t necessarily lead you to that conclusion… Someone wrote a long piece about Trump’s speech today on the subject of Black History Month. The gist of the piece was that Trump talked about himself instead of about Black History Month. The speech was given before an assembly of black leaders and dignitaries. Oh well, nothing new here really. What was interesting were the replies on Substack. One person in particular was critical of anyone taking exception to Trump’s behavior. That person accused anyone that did not agree with him as having “TDS.” (Trump Derangement Syndrome.) Okay, I probably qualify as deranged, deranged about a lot of things. When it comes to skiing and cycling, I’m pretty deranged, I also have a tendency to be very particular about my bourbon, probably to the point of derangement, but I think when it comes to political analysis, I’m looking through a pretty clear set of lenses. Sorry, I digress. Getting back to the subject at hand, Substack posts, I had to chime in. Against my better judgement I replied. Before I tell you what I said, take note that when I post on Substack (the very few times I have) the posts show under my name “Brad Adkins.” Most posts are written by people who use pseudonyms rather than their real names. That’s the world we live in to be sure. That said said, I replied:
I don’t wear a mask and I use my real name. I prefer to think of myself as having TDNS rather than TDS.
If you look up TDNS you won’t find any references, I made it up. So for your edification I’ll spell it out, and I mean this in the kindest possible sense. TDNS stands for “Trump Does Nothing Syndrome.” That’s a bit of an understatement, I should have said, TDNTMAGAS.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 18, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 130
We are advised by the Stoics to be understanding and patient with other people. The person we are dealing with may not have grown up with the same advantages that we have. The more tolerant and patient we can be, the more helpful we can be. Isn’t that our true responsibility? I admit to failing at this goal more often than I would like to admit. The goal is to keep trying. My desire for myself and for my country is to keep striving in this direction. It begins with our speech and it extends to making sure those we choose to lead us also are also striving in this direction.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 19, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 131
There is philosophy, and there is the practice of philosophy. Study can lead to understanding. Practice can lead to a better self. It is essential that one do both.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 20, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 132
Real joy takes work. To dismiss the woes of the world to be cheerful is good but to feel joy, the dismissal must be done with proper intention or sadness can result. True joy takes cultivation. Living with purpose, living with excellence, living with an understanding of your duty, that is the cultivation of true joy. That is the joy that surpasses cheerfulness. The beauty of following this path is that others will see that as an inspiration.
Journal Entry - February 21, 2026
Writing
“Writing is both a craft and an art: a practical skill that can be taught and refined, and a creative practice through which sustained effort yields insight. The formula goes something like this: We read things, we have conversations about them to unravel their many levels, then we write. In that final part of the cycle—the writing part—are torments, perhaps even tortures, but good things happen. We become thinking people, mingling with complex ideas and perhaps coming up with some of our own.”
I stumbled into this piece by Jake Lundberg, a staff writer at The Atlantic. This pretty much describes what I do, for fun, here. He raises an interesting question in his piece. Will AI and Chatbots make the practice of writing irrelevant? Lundberg postulates that writing is vital to the formation of an educated mind. In my case, the writing I do is not vital to the formation of my mind, it’s more for the preservation of it. That’s another story. It does seem though that writing, for the sake of writing, is rapidly becoming a thing of the past.
I’m not about to declare writing dead. I love it and it serves an essential purpose in my life. When I can’t write any longer, I’ll have someone use a chatbot for me. It shouldn’t be hard to find a volunteer to do that. That won’t be a huge ask I’m sure. For the record, I don’t use one here and never have.
Journal Entry - February 22, 2026
Anger
There is too much anger in the world. We all need to take a deep breath, exhale slowly through our nose, and think about what it is we are trying to accomplish. Our anger will only make us and those around us sick.
Journal Entry - February 23, 2026
Kindness
When you choose kindness you are protecting yourself. No one can take that away from you. Your path is life is what you choose it. Make it a path that is controlled by you and no one else. Make it a path that is guided by kindness.
Journal Entry - February 24, 2026
Experiences
Calm doesn’t come from controlling your experiences. Calm comes from allowing your experiences to unfold how they may.
I’ll be the first to admit this is not easy for me. I recognize the wisdom in this. I’m working on incorporating this philosophy into my consciousness. I think it would make a good mantra.
Today I will allow my experiences to unfold on their own path rather than try to bend them to my will.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 21, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 133
“We must not get so wrapped up in our work that we are immune from the reality of aging and life.”
If you are a public servant it is on you to know when to step out of the spotlight and retire. Sadly, many people in public service have no concept of this principle. I can think of many examples, I’m sure you can too. I’m also sure we are both right.
As I was writing this, my cat came and sat by my side as if to remind me what is most important, namely, taking care of those around us that need us. That extends to the responsibility held by public servants as well as us ordinary folk.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 22, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 134
Here’s some of the best Stoic advice I think I’ve read so far. I can get behind this. Don’t expect perfection. The keyword there is “expect.”
This morning I took apart one of my favorite framed pictures. I wanted to put a label behind the glass describing where the picture was taken and when. I accomplished that easily. After I was finished and the picture was reassembled and rehung, I noticed that the label I had placed on the mat in the lower portion of the frame wasn’t perfectly straight. At first I thought about taking it apart and placing a new label under the glass, then I realized it was good enough. Not perfect, but good enough. Would other people notice? As soon as I realized that wasn’t likely, I settled down and made the conscious decision to call my efforts satisfactory.
The bottom line: Don’t let petty annoyances distract us from what we should be doing… The world is not perfect. Do what we can to make it better, but at the same time, don’t obsess over every little thing.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 23, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 135
How do we respond to a turn of fate? That is a question we should all give thought to before it becomes a necessity. The purpose of life is to learn. A difficult turn of events should be viewed as an opportunity to learn. Learn within the space we are granted and accept that which we are unable to do any longer.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 24, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 136
Do we need the perfect surroundings before we pursue our passion, or is it good enough to just go do it and not wait until circumstances and the environment are perfect?
Do what we need or want to do and do it wherever you happen to be. The place to do your work is wherever you are. The good life can be lived anywhere.
Journal Entry - February 25, 2026
Too Broke
“Too Broke,” by Tinsley Ellis
This is for all you Accounting Professors and Financial Advisors out there…
Wise man told me back in the day
Just can’t keep unless you give it away.
I’m too broke to worry,
Too broke to worry.
If you don’t wanna worry,
Stay broke all the time.
Give some to me and I’ll give some to you
That’s how it works and you know it’s true.
I’m too broke to worry,
Too broke to worry.
If you don’t wanna worry,
Stay broke all the time.
I seen a lotta weird stuff in my day
But I never seen a bank truck at a funeral parade.
I’m too broke to worry,
Too broke to worry.
If you don’t wanna worry,
Stay broke all the time.
Lke that came a lot you know,
You can’t get to heaven with a whole lot of dough.
I’m too broke to worry.
Too broke to worry.
If you don’t wanna worry,
Stay broke all the time.
Thank you… Here’s a tip, the best way to stay broke is to own a custom overland Tacoma… Also 5 bicycles, 2 pedal kayaks, an overland trailer, and a dual sport motorcycle…
A Year of Living Stoically - February 25, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 137
Stop blaming life and others and set your terms based on what is right and truthful. Stop following. Instead, choose the path that will lead to respect. Respect for yourself and respect from others.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 26, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 138
Silence is strength.
Weak people will be the last to subscribe to that idea, but that shouldn’t be surprising. Silence is a sign of intelligence. There are two types of people in the world, those that are fear based and those that are open to learning. It is a spectrum of varying degrees but the point is that everyone can be found somewhere on that scale. It’s how our brains are wired. The key to being open to learning is to listen. There is another way of looking at silence. “The more you say, the more likely you are to look foolish.” Not only that, but the more you say the more likely you are to ignore. The more likely you are to not learn something new. Silence is the guardian at the gates of learning.
Journal Entry - February 26, 2026
Internet Wisdom
There’s a lot of nonsense on the Internet. Occasionally you stumble into something that resonates with you. This is a perfect example.
“A wise man was asked, ‘What is anger?’ He gave a beautiful answer, ‘It is a punishment you give to yourself for somebody else’s mistakes.’”
I occasionally fall into this trap. When it happens, I regret it almost instantly. I try to walk away from those situations as best I can. It saddens me is when I see someone I love fall into this trap — and is unable to walk away. Instead they fall deeper and deeper into the pit of anger and keep returning to it over and over. Avoid this if you can and remember, we all fall victim to this from time to time. The key is to recognize when it is happening and do something to break the pattern.
A Year of Living Stoically - February 27, 2026
Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 139
When things look dim, stop and take another look. The simple act of stopping and allowing our thoughts to seek a new perspective can often be enough to turn things around. We simply need to give our brains enough space to come up with a solution. Stop, breathe, allow the mind to work through whatever it is that has us stymied.
Journal Entry - February 27, 2026
There You Go
Jeffrey Epstein wrote in 2017 to former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers, “I have met some very bad people, none as bad as Trump. Not one decent cell in his body.”
I did a bit of research on the internet and this is what I came up with:
Regarding this quote, it originated from: “The emails released by the House Oversight Committee in November 2025 as part of a massive, newly disclosed trove of documents (over 33,000 pages) from Epstein’s estate and the Department of Justice.”
If Jeffrey Epstein said Trump is a bad person, that shouldn’t leave any doubt in anyone’s mind about what sort of person Trump is.