Amor Fati

“My formula for human greatness is amor fati: that one wants nothing to be different, not in the future, not in the past, not for all eternity. Not only to endure what is necessary…but to love it.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” -Marcus Aurelius

Two of the most powerful concepts found in Stoic wisdom are (1) Memento Mori (“Remember, you could leave life right now.”) and (2) Amor Fati (“Not merely to bear what is necessary, but learn to love it.”)

There are three levels of thinking when anything that happens to us.

First, SEE things as they are. No judgment. Neither good or bad. Just what is.

Second, decide right now, that no matter what happens, you WILL get through it.

Third, learn to LOVE what happens. You may not know it at the time, but trust that all challenges will make you stronger, more resilient. They’ll open up new ways of thinking and doing. You’ll find more gratitude. You’ll be more present. More patient. More generous.

Amor Fati. Love your fate.

P.S. – A great book on this concept is The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday. Highly recommend it.