The metaphor that changed my mindset for the better

Hello friends 😁!

The theme of today’s newsletter revolves around the metaphor that had the biggest impact on my life (which I found in my favorite book, The Little Book of Stoicism by Jonas Salzgeber).

This metaphor uses wind (obstacles) and fire (us and how we respond to obstacles) to explain how challenges and difficult situations are opportunities for growth and actually make us stronger :

« […] a fire uses obstacles as fuel. They only make the fire stronger. The wind fuels a fire and extinguishes a candle. 

The wind is the obstacle; it extinguishes you if your commitment and perseverance are weak, but it fuels you when you accept the challenge and don’t give up with the first difficulties.

If you blow at a candle, it extinguishes. If you blow into a campfire, it might seem to extinguish at first but it comes back stronger. 

You want to be the fire that always come back stronger. »

I mean... what a beautiful metaphor, right? 🔥

What are you? A candle or a big campfire?

I was a "candle" for the majority of my life. Some physical growth problems I had until I was around 22-23 years old (I looked like I was half my age) affected my autonomy, my sense of credibility, and my self-confidence in facing obstacles.

I consider myself a "campfire" since I started reading more personal development books that helped me change my mindset (The Little Book of Stoicism being the most useful one).

Have you faced any significant obstacles in the past?

What helped you the most? ❤️

On another note 👀 (…) 

Here's what I plan to share in the next two weeks on Happiness Library: 

• Review of Algebra Of Wealth, a great book about financial stability

• Book recommendations for when you feel lost

• Book recommendations to improve your self-confidence

• A review of one of the best books about happiness

• A repost of one of my top 5 favorite books

Which of these posts are you most excited to see?

See you in two weeks!

Marianne 👋🌸