Fourth turning. We're in hard times. Focus on personal growth and we will get through this. I recommend reading Marcus Aurelius and the philosophy of stoicism to keep grounded while the world gets crazier.
Most people keep it simple and follow the group. We climb a more difficult route. It won't be easy but it will be worthwhile.
Turn off electronics and seek a physical activity that provides clarity and discipline in mind, body, and spirit. I have recently turned to martial arts in hopes of finding and solidifying a good foundation for all to aspects to build on. Having a growth mindset with sort of an "aura" of positivity is key to your sanity and survival in a world drowning in toxic negativity and mediocrity. Finally and most importantly, establishing emotional and mental boundaries with those people and external forces in your daily life will not only also preserve your sanity, but give you a sense of self-respect that others in turn will respect as well. If they don't, then it's easier to spot who or what can be removed from your life.
The Meditations of Aurelius and the Enchiridion of Epictitus.
Related links to help others:
Stoic Six Pack - Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca https://1lib.us/book/3312807/896cb1
Marcus Aurelius - Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Epictetus - Golden Sayings of Epictetus Epictetus - Fragments of Epictetus Epictetus - The Discourses of Epictetus Epictetus - The Enchiridion Lucius Annaeus Seneca - Letters From A Stoic
- PDF (5.4mb): https://files.catbox.moe/1qt9eb.pdf
- EPUB (1.7mb): https://files.catbox.moe/fb2s7l.epub
- MOBI (2.1mb): https://files.catbox.moe/vtiiq5.mobi
A couple as standalone:
Seneca - Letters From a Stoic https://b-ok.cc/s/Seneca%20-%20Letters%20From%20a%20Stoic
- PDF (8.8mb): https://files.catbox.moe/wdov6b.pdf
- EPUB (1.8mb): https://files.catbox.moe/ifnu9b.epub
Marcus Aurelius - Meditations - https://b-ok.cc/s/Marcus%20Aurelius%20Meditations - https://archive.org/details/texts?and[]=Marcus+Aurelius+Meditations&sin=&and[]=lending___status%3A%22is_readable%22 - https://archive.org/details/books?and%5B%5D=Marcus+Aurelius+Meditations&sin=&and%5B%5D=lending___status%3A%22is_readable%22
- PDF (2.2mb): https://files.catbox.moe/27b47e.pdf
- EPUB (336kb): https://files.catbox.moe/jm19p8.epub
Man... Now I'm trying to think of an excellent Marcus Aurelius quote I wrote down, but that notebook is in storage
(post is archived)