Marcus Aurelius Stoic teachings
Marcus Aurelius: You receive what you choose: instead of…
You receive what you choose: instead of being good today, you decide to put goodness off until tomorrow.
A paraphrase of a teaching associated with Marcus Aurelius, written for modern readers. Not a transcription of a copyrighted edition.
Delay often wears a reasonable disguise. We tell ourselves we will be more patient after this busy period, healthier after the weekend, more focused once conditions improve. Some preparation is sensible, but postponement can become a way of avoiding the discomfort of beginning. The version of you who acts tomorrow will face many of the same temptations you face now. Start with an action too small to negotiate away. Put on your shoes and walk for ten minutes. Open the document and write one paragraph. Send the apology you have drafted repeatedly in your head. Choose the healthier lunch at the next meal rather than planning a perfect diet next month. Today does not need to contain your complete transformation. It only needs to contain evidence that you are no longer waiting for permission to live by your values. The right time for one decent choice is already here.
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