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True Good Fortune

June 16th

“I was once fortunate, but at some point fortune abandoned me. But true good fortune is what you make for yourself. Good fortune: good character, good intentions, and good actions.”

—Marcus Aurelius

Meditations

Fortune can be an elusive friend; one day, it showers you with gifts and opportunities, and the next, it seems to vanish like a mirage.

You've probably experienced those peaks and valleys yourself—moments when everything went your way followed by times when luck seemed against you.

Yet, what Marcus reminds us is that the most stable and enduring kind of good fortune doesn't come from outside us—it's crafted from within. True fortune isn't about what you have, but who you are. It’s your integrity, your drive to do the right thing, and your actions that build a life of worth and fulfillment.

Now, ask yourself, are you chasing fleeting moments of luck or investing in the lifelong pursuit of a good character? Imagine facing adversities not as setbacks but as chances to reinforce your values through good intentions and actions.

This is the Stoic way—recognizing that life's greatest lottery ticket is the one you can cash in at any moment through your choices. Whether it's through kindness in a tough situation, discipline in your daily habits, or courage in the face of fear, these are the true winnings.

So next time you feel fortune slipping away, remember that your most valuable assets are always with you—your virtues and your capacity to act upon them.

That's where real good fortune lies.

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Meditations
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