Word of the Moment (Stoical)

 

Stoical [stoh-i-kuhl ] | Adj.

1. impassive; characterized by a calm, austere fortitude befitting the Stoics:

To accomplish anything of significance in life, we must first believe in ourselves. Fortitude. Without cognitive strength and resolve, it is challenging to grow. Some people grace our lives and believe in us more than we do (mentors - be thankful for them and make sure to treasure them); however, eventually, we must learn to walk on our own two feet. Others may help guide and support us, but no one is capable of living your life for you.

"The calm sea does not make a skilled sailor." ~ African Proverb.

On the road to becoming who we are or who we desire to be, there are lessons wrapped in adversity to test you. It is not in prosperity that one grasp greatness; it is through tribulations. The challenges we face in life are what forces us out of the static nature associated with the humdrum of life. Embedded in the difficulty lies a pearl of wisdom or ability meant for us. Those who embrace the opportunity with gumption, grow - the reward is a cloak of stoical equanimity.  Others that do not learn from that opportunity... Life will undoubtedly attempt to teach you the lesson again. 

I was once asked, “If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?”  After a moment of contemplation, “Everything that I would like to have, I have to work hard and earn them. If not, I won’t appreciate them if it was just granted… Having a person that loves me and I love them. Helping humanity. Happiness… I have to earn all that. I’m a person that don’t enjoy getting things freely. At least… not the important things.”

無功不受祿 (Chinese proverb)

Vô công bất thụ lọc. (Vietnamese)

No effort merits no windfall. (English)

In Vietnamese culture, if someone offers you a lavish gift without reason, one is taught to reply, "Vô công bất thụ lọc." and say that they can't accept the gift and return it. When you labor arduously for something, you appreciate it...  You remember it.  Something given and something earned are profoundly different.

"If you don't invest very much, then defeat doesn't hurt very much and winning is not very exciting." ~ Dick Vermeil

It is the hard-fought battles we surmount that elicit jubilation – that yatta moment (Japanese version of a fist pump). 

May you appreciate your challenges.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2025 William Heavenhill 19yr 138.2°

Image
  2025 William Heavenhill 19yr 138.2°     Nose:   An intoxicating aroma of sweetness captivates you – immediately putting you back into a rickhouse.   I was immediately taken back to the Haunted on the Hill tour done a few years back where we walked through the barrels of Heaven Hill at night. A deep sweetness lurks in the back, as if there is celebration or feast of the solstice.   A little bit of dankness lingers in the pour with that oakiness in the backdrop of it all.   This is what bourbon ought to smell like.        Palate:   A touch of spiky heat like a needle pierce you but in a very pleasant way.   Followed by a wave of warmth of that coveted Kentucky Hug.   The palate lingers of sweetness that makes you want to chap the lips to get more flavor.   It offers the oakiness in the backdrop with the explosive bomb of a Laure.   Lingering finish that had a fresh lime-like characteristic to initiate ...
Read more

2025 Willett Family Estate 14yr (Sourced #1222 | 113.8°) “Chasing Perfection From the Vault”

Image
  Nose: A lightly sweet nose with a hint of fruit with a backdrop of an herb that I can’t quite pinpoint.   A slight nuttiness permeates the backdrop and a bit of spiciness that tinges the nostril.     Palate: The front offers a sweetness intertwined with light floral, nutty characteristic reminiscent of a gentle breeze, pleasant to the senses.   Upon swishing, the subtle heat takes over and numbs the jaw.   Effortlessly gentle and sweet to the palate with a bit of nuttiness in the background.   The palates offer simplicity with a per-fumy nuance.   Verdict:   An easy pour that one can be surprised – before you know it, you are on the third or fourth pour.     
Read more

2023 17yr Altschuler & Co. “Seepin’ Beauty” (Q Pick | 219 Bottles) 106.56°

Image
  2023 17yr Altschuler & Co. “Seepin’ Beauty” (Q Pick | 219 Bottles) 106.56° 15yr in American Oak | 2yr in French Oak Barrel Strength | Non-Chilled Filter 78.5% Corn Mashbill Nose:   A subtle, luxurious, candied nose that seems like the magma in a volcano; it glows and emits an ember, but you know deep in the core lies a potent element.   The wood follows, placing me on an autumn day next to an oak tree with the multicolored leaves beginning to ever so slowly descend from the vines.   The warm brown sugar of a chess pie follows with a slight bit of airiness.   The intoxicatingly pleasant aroma seems to have its own finish... lingering in the mind as no long nose.       Palate:   A subtle front-in oak that immediately swirls like a motorcyclist weaving between car traffic.   Sweetness combined with a spike of spiciness intermingles to dazzle the back of the throat.   More oak comes with a layer of sweetness tha...
Read more