Due to lack of participation, I’m pretty sure he’s in Georgia dealing with a musical competition at the moment.

It takes me longer to recover from the consequences of playing ice hockey.

Same with my 2014 Subaru Outback. I’m holding onto it as long as I can.

I couldn’t agree more. I read them quite some time ago, and still find myself having philosophical discussions about them somewhat often today. Most are really thought provoking in a non-judgmental way.

Feel free to reach out to me directly if I can be a sounding board or anything. Best of luck…it’s certainly not easy, but for me, it was worth the introspection and effort.

I cut my sister out of my life and didn’t go to her wedding for similar reasons. I don’t regret it one bit and it has helped my mental health tremendously. However, I didn’t do it to “teach her a lesson,” or “prove anything,” I did it so I could live with myself, and stay true to my values. We all only have limited time and energy on this planet, so think about the way you spend them and what’s most important to you. For me, my biological family is toxic. My chosen family is awesome.

Huh. German efficiency…love it!

Does the insertion category include choking, or just…other things…?

You might want to check out Red Dead Redemption 2 in story mode. The graphics and physics are pretty incredible. It’s a little old now, but I think it still holds up well, especially if you like the “old west cowboy” aesthetic.

I’d never heard of him until I tried his yoga workout and I completely agree. He seems so genuine and serious about lifting others up (ummm…no pun intended…maybe…).

“The Office”

Not my location, but Scranton, PA?

[email protected]

Epictetus was a slave most of his life and then banished at the end. I would disagree with the wealthy comment. Nelson Mandela embraced stoicism to get him through his prison term. I’m not sure where your perception comes from, but a major tenant is not putting emphasis on wealth or material goods.

ETA - my deleted comment above was just me moving this one down to be in the appropriate hierarchy.

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You may want to familiarize yourself with the philosophy of Stoicism. It sounds very similar to what you describe. I’d recommend starting with a “sampler” like “The Daily Stoic,” by Ryan Holiday. Epictetus and Marcus Auralius are two of the biggest names in terms of “fathers” of this philosophy.

Don’t go by whatever impression Hollywood or society may have left you with about the word “stoic.” It doesn’t mean “without emotion.”

I decorate for the seasons.

I kick off winter with a fondue party and make my place more “hygge” for the season. Candles, cozy blankets, baking bread, making tea and soup. Decor involves pinecones and coniferous branches, my rustic dark wood table is left uncovered. I have smart bulbs, so usually warm lighting. That sort of thing.

As a contrast, in summer I go more Mediterranean accents. Bowls of fruit, a wreath of wildflowers, I make limoncello and instead of candles, I’ll use an Aera scent machine for smells like “fresh laundry.” I frequently have bouquets of lavender around, and a French country tablecloth on the rustic table.

That’s the general idea anyway. Fall might have gourds, leaves, and cider in the mix.

So, while not really for a particular “holiday,” I do enjoy honoring the seasons by trying to be in sync with them. I live alone, but entertain quite a bit.

I went trick or treating with an 88 year old woman (both of us in costume). She raked it in!

Based on your question, you might dig the book “Boat of a Million Years.” The author put quite a bit of thought into just that.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boat_of_a_Million_Years

I was not born into wealth, and put myself through college on scholarships. The only reason I’m “wealthy” is because I’ve lived very frugally (and still do), and chose not to have kids. I’m not denying that I’ve had some advantages, and certainly those born into the current economy have it tougher, but overall I’ve eaten a hell of a lot of lentils, don’t subscribe to any streaming services, am not much of a consumer, and enjoy the simple things in life. Obviously not an exhaustive list, but stuff like that. It’s not for everyone, but I’m deeply content and fulfilled.