Newport Aquarium, Stoic App

Newport Aquarium

We visited the Newport Aquarium recently for a birthday party and it was a lot of fun. I’ve not been to the aquarium in some years but we all enjoyed it. I would suggest really slowing down as you go through it because it’s rather small, but there is plenty to look at anyway. You always see more when you slow down anyway. It’s like an art museum, you go and try to see the entire exhibit,  you don’t really appreciate it. I feel the same way about zoos and aquariums. Try to slow down and notice the details about the animal or its habitat. You can really appreciate God’s creation better this way.

Stoic App

I’ve been spending the mornings doing the Stoic App. I paid for a full year on New Year’s Day as part of my journey this year. I wanted a way to track my progress and have a daily inspiration. I used to keep a journal, and I tried a video journal too, but I wanted to change it up to something a little more directed. I didn’t see the point of writing about the same thing over and over again.

The Stoic App is created by Ryan Holiday, who also wrote the book “The Daily Stoic” among other works. That is also something I read everyday and write about.

Flowers

I received a bouquet of flowers from my wife. I recently told her about something interesting I heard, how men do not receive flowers except at their funeral. I think we all agree flowers are a sign of appreciation, of congratulations too. Females receive flowers for dance recitals, musical performances, dates, proms, their wedding, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day etc. A man will not receive this token of appreciation once in his life, except when he’s dead and can’t witness it. It’s not about the flowers, but it does show how men are treated in our society. Men are more likely to die of alcoholism, drug addiction, to be homeless, to die in wars, to be imprisoned and for longer sentences for the same crime. They are falling behind in school, their life expectancy is going down, and they are kind of vilified in the media. My wife bought me flowers to show me that’s it may be true for most men, but not for me. I do appreciate her!