Dr. Joe Vitale’s Blog
“Enough Already!” Says Epicurus
In the whirlwind of our ever-demanding lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly yearning for more – more success, more possessions, more experiences.
However, the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus offers a timeless piece of wisdom:
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
This profound statement underlines the importance of gratitude and contentment.
Let’s explore this concept through three relatable examples.
### 1. **The Career Ladder Climb**
Imagine Sarah, a young, ambitious marketing executive.
She worked tirelessly to land her current position at a renowned firm.
During her university years, she dreamed of this day – working with big brands, earning a respectable salary, and being part of a dynamic team.
However, now immersed in her job, Sarah often finds herself enviously eyeing the higher managerial roles, feeling restless and unsatisfied.
Here, Epicurus’ quote serves as a gentle reminder for Sarah to appreciate her journey and achievements.
Not long ago, she yearned for exactly what she has now.
By refocusing on the present, acknowledging her hard work and the goals she has already attained, Sarah can find fulfillment and joy in her current role, even as she ambitiously plans for the future.
### 2. **The Pursuit of Material Wealth**
Consider the story of Alex, who once dreamed of owning a luxury car.
After years of saving, he finally purchases his dream vehicle.
Yet, within months, the excitement fades.
Alex starts noticing even more expensive and luxurious cars on the road, and his once-dream car no longer brings him the same joy.
Epicurus’ philosophy highlights the fleeting nature of such desires.
Alex’s initial longing for the car was a source of motivation and excitement, but once attained, it quickly lost its luster.
The lesson here is about finding a balance between aspiration and contentment.
While it’s natural to desire nice things, it’s equally important to cherish and appreciate what we have achieved and possess.
### 3. **Personal Relationships and Social Media Envy**
Finally, let’s talk about Emily, an avid social media user.
She often finds herself scrolling through posts, feeling envious of others’ seemingly perfect relationships, vacations, and lifestyles.
This envy overshadows her own happy, loving relationship and enjoyable life experiences.
In this scenario, Epicurus’ words remind Emily to appreciate the real-life connections and moments she cherishes.
The joy and satisfaction in her life can easily be overshadowed by the allure of what others have.
Recognizing the value in her experiences and relationships, the ones she once longed for, can bring back the joy and gratitude that social media envy often diminishes.
### Conclusion
Epicurus’ statement is more than just a call to be grateful; it’s a profound insight into human psychology.
It’s about recognizing the beauty in what we have now, remembering our past desires, and finding contentment in the present.
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aspire for more, but rather, we should not let our future ambitions cloud the appreciation of our current blessings.
By mastering this art of appreciation, we can lead more fulfilling and happier lives.
Ao Akua,
Dr. Joe Vitale
Zenith: The Year of Zero Limits Living
Happy New Year!
My 2024 private mastermind – what I’m calling Zenith – will reveal 10 precepts over 6 months.
These are 10 practical wisdom truths I’ve never discussed before.
They are the secrets to my own success in numerous areas, from spirituality to books to movies to music to wealth – and more.
You will receive one precept every two weeks, along with my explanation of how to apply it in your life.
You will also get my personal help in setting and achieving your biggest goals for the New Year.
We’re talking goals you’ve not been able to attract before.
Maybe goals you’ve never imagined before.
We’re talking spiritual and material breakthroughs.
In addition, you will receive help from the other 7 people in this unique mastermind.
Their insights, resources, tools and support can help you achieve what others might call miracles.
In short, Zenith will reveal how to experience authentic Zero Limits Living.
What would your life be like without limits?
What could you attract?
What could you do?
What miracles await?
Because I can’t easily convey the power of Zenith in this post, please go see –
https://www.
Expect Miracles.
Ao Akua,
Dr Joe
PS – Only 8 can attend and only you can say yes. We begin January 11. Go see –
Zero Limits – New Book – New Movie
I’m excited to announce “Zero Limits” the movie is now in production!
Filming has been going on for months and we still have months to go, but it is real!
Get an overview at http://www.zerolimitsmovie.com
ALSO, my newest book, “Zero Limits Living,” just went live for pre-orders on Amazon!
The book will come out July 2024 but you can preorder it right now at https://www.amazon.com/Zero-Limits-Living-Essential-Achieving/dp/163774496X/
Early reviewers said —
“A must-read book of the year.” – Los Angeles Tribune
“I’ve watched Dr. Joe’s evolution as a leading-edge author for decades. His latest book is a breakthrough in personal development and spirituality. It’s truly a new map to success. I loved it.” — Marci Shimoff, #1 NY Times bestselling author, Happy for No Reason
“An eye-opener! We need this book now more than ever before. It’s empowering, enlightening, and entertaining too!” – Lee Milteer, Author, Speaker, Business Coach
“If you’re seeking a path to a limitless existence, I highly recommend “Zero Limits Living” by Dr. Joe Vitale, unquestionably one of the greatest self-help authors of our time.” – Moe Rock, publisher, music producer, bestselling author, The Moral Compass
“These high-consciousness techniques include understanding the Universe conspires to help us, harnessing the power of the collective unconscious, identifying with our inner “I” of divinity, rewiring our brains, and turning any failure into feedback on our way to our dreams. Welcome to living a life of infinite possibilities!” – Tassel Faith Shanebrook, founder of You Are Your Own He
“Empowering and transformative, this isn’t your ordinary “self-help” book! This masterpiece is the only book you will ever need to unlock the secrets of attracting your desires and goals with precision and grace. Its profound wisdom not only reveals the path to achieving your dreams, but also bestows the gift of inner peace, nurturing a serene mind and soul amidst life’s chaos. With the three-part formula, prepare to kick limiting beliefs to the curb and finally have a limitless life!”- Amberly Lago, Bestselling Author, Top 1% Podcast Host, Mindset Coach, TEDx Speaker
“A brilliant synthesis of spirituality and self-help, revealing a new system for getting results in a balanced, healthy, and accelerated way. I highly recommend this amazing book.” – Mary Morrissey, author, Brave Thinking, Founder, Brave Thinking Institute
“Dr. Joe’s use of his own compelling story will have you captivated, inspired and ready to break down limitations in order to live the life you deserve.” – Dariush Soudi, Founder of Gladiator Mastery
“Reading Dr. Joe Vitale’s latest book, “Zero Limits Living,” will be the difference between talking about the results you want to see in your life and actually achieving them! Read the book, do the work, reap the rewards!” – Clarissa Burt, Author, The Self-Esteem Regime
Looks like 2024 will be the YEAR of Zero Limits!
Happy Holidays!
Happy New Year!
Expect Miracles!
Ao Akua,
Dr Joe
Three Steps to Paradise
“I was in darkness but I took three steps and found myself in paradise. The first step was a good thought, the second a good word, and the third, a good deed.” -Nietzsche
Imagine you’re in a room with the curtains drawn, shrouded in darkness. The very act of thinking about opening the curtains to let the light in can be likened to having a ‘good thought’. This thought is the initial spark, the first realization that there’s an opportunity for change, for something better.
In daily life, this can be compared to the moment you decide to change a habit, perhaps giving up a detrimental vice or adopting a new positive routine. Let’s say you’ve been feeling sluggish lately due to a lack of exercise. The ‘good thought’ in this case might be the recognition that you need to be more active and the idea of joining a local gym or taking up jogging.
**2. A Good Word**
Returning to the dark room analogy, now that you’ve had the thought of opening the curtains, voicing it out loud makes it more real. Sharing it with someone – “I think I’ll let some light in” – transforms it from a mere thought into a declared intention. This is the ‘good word’.
In the context of our exercise example, this would be the moment you share your fitness plans with a friend or family member, or perhaps when you seek advice on the best running shoes. Expressing our intentions often adds a layer of commitment to them. It’s as if by voicing them, we are halfway to turning them into a reality.
**3. A Good Deed**
Finally, physically drawing back the curtains and flooding the room with light is the culmination, the ‘good deed’. This act transforms the environment, changing it from a place of darkness to one filled with brightness and warmth.
To continue with our fitness analogy, this step is when you actually lace up those running shoes and step out the door for your first jog or when you attend your first gym session. It’s the manifestation of your thought and word into tangible action, bringing about a real and positive change in your life.
Nietzsche’s quote beautifully illustrates the progression from introspection to action. Starting with the inception of a positive idea, progressing to the commitment through verbalization, and culminating in a tangible act that ushers in change. His metaphorical journey from ‘darkness’ to ‘paradise’ can be applied to numerous aspects of our lives.
“I was in darkness but I took three steps and found myself in paradise. The first step was a good thought, the second a good word, and the third, a good deed.” -Nietzsche
The Greatest Quote
“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”– Napoleon Hill
One version is from Mulhammed Ali, who said –“If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it – then I can achieve it.’
Let’s take a real-world example: Walt Disney.
And how about J.K. Rowling?
But that’s just the starting point.
The importance?
And note the word choice made by Hill in his famous quote.
Going for your dreams brings life; giving up brings death.
