What happens to you, your circumstances they can either obstruct you or then you can accept them and work with them.
On 2014 I was living and studying in Porvoo, quite distant city from where I found a job opening that seemed like great learning opportunity for me. The thing was that I was dating this girl I really liked and then I pondered about ways to make it work. At that point wanted both things in my life and I figured out two ways to make it work, from which I chose the option to stay a bit longer in Porvoo and take the 1,5 hour commute twice a day.
The commute although long, not so troublesome, I decided to make most of it by either sleeping or reading. It was during this period in my life when I learned to read in focused manner and I adopted the Habit of reading first 36 books a year. Now, I’ve read 39 books during 2018 in half a year. Reading hae become part of me through the habit that I formed during that time.
Later on relationship didn’t last, however the work and learning has turned out to be more than I had anticipated and the habit of reading had definitely supported me in that as well.
If I would’ve listened to my excuses or the terrified reactions of other while doing this or succumbed to the desire for comfort I wouldn’t be the man I am today.
Wherever you are, it’s what you do that matters. A good philosopher uses every opportunity to better oneself, because it’s within where our greatest enemy lies. Desire for comfort, fear, lust, addiction, obsession, envy, insecurity… I’ve seen it all and still do. It’s what we do with what we have that determines everything.
Example, I was falling prey for laziness and I didn’t know how or where I would write today’s blog. I’ve had plenty to do in my hands and social events I would like to be part of. How then? Well it turns out this social event wasn’t in easily accessible place and I do not want to pay for cab, therefore I end up waiting 15 minutes for a bus near my home ald doing what? Writing this very blog.
Obstacle becomes the way, world continuously provides opportunities for us to practice our virtue. It’s up to us to do.
