As I sit down to pen this blog post, I am reminded of my core values and motivations that have shaped me into the person I am today. At the heart of it all, I strive to be the best version of myself – a loving friend, husband, father and brother. This is not only for the people in my life who deserve the best of me but also for myself. I believe that we all owe it to ourselves to continually grow and evolve, not just for the benefit of those around us, but for our own fulfillment and happiness.

We live in a pretty amazing world that is brimming with opportunities for learning and growth. It’s a world that deserves to be explored and experienced to the fullest. I want to ensure that when my time comes to leave this world, I have left no stone unturned, no opportunity unexplored, and no potential untapped (within reason of course).

Reflecting on my life, I find myself drawn back to my early years and my experiences with religion. I was raised in a Protestant family and attended church regularly. In middle school, I transitioned from a public school to a private Christian one. These experiences, I believe, have helped shape my perspective on life and self-improvement.

One realization I had today from this time is the overlap I believe must exist between Christianity and Stoicism. I’m no expert on that topic but statements like, and I’m paraphrasing, “I want to be more like Jesus every day and less of me” resonate similarly with Stoic statements like “Man is both the marble and the sculptor.” While I was influenced more by the former in my formative years, the concept of self-improvement and personal growth was firmly planted in my mind.

Another significant takeaway from my school years was the exposure to diverse beliefs within the same religion. My school was run by a Pentecostal church, and their practices were quite different from what I was accustomed to in my home church. This experience taught me to question things, seek understanding, and challenge my perceptions. This mindset has made me a lifelong learner and has continually motivated me to grow and improve.

I wanted to share a few books that have been important in my journey and I thought maybe you would enjoy them too. Theres a mix of stoicism and Buddhism here but they won’t fail?

1. “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius: This classic Stoic text offers profound insights on life, death, duty, and the universe.
2. “Wisdom for the Way” by Bruce Lee Compiled from Bruce Lee’s personal notes and writings, this book offers profound insights on martial arts, personal development, and philosophy, providing readers with timeless wisdom to navigate life’s challenges and cultivate a balanced mind, body, and spirit.
3. “The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday This book draws on ancient Stoic philosophy to show readers how to transform obstacles into opportunities, providing a practical guide for overcoming challenges, finding resilience, and achieving personal growth.
4. “The Unfettered Mind” by Takian Sōhō is a classic Zen text that explores the nature of the mind and its relationship to the world, offering practical teachings and philosophical insights to cultivate a state of mental clarity, freedom, and spontaneity in all aspects of life. It provides guidance on overcoming obstacles, mastering one’s emotions, and finding inner peace through a deep understanding of the self.

In the end, my journey towards self-improvement and being the best version of myself is a continuous one. I hope that my experiences and insights can inspire you on your journey, and that the books I’ve recommended can provide guidance along the way.