“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

Marcus Aurelius reminds us that our happiness and peace depend on our thoughts, not external circumstances. By controlling your reactions, you master your life.

Master Your Mind

Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Stop overthinking and take action. Embrace integrity and kindness in all you do. Your actions define your character.

Live with Purpose

The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.Obstacles aren’t barriers but opportunities for growth. Embrace challenges as part of your journey.

Accept What You Can’t Control

You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.Life is fleeting. This isn’t morbid but a call to live fully and authentically. Make each moment count.

Embrace Mortality

Confine yourself to the present.Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future robs you of today. Cultivate mindfulness to appreciate the here and now.

Be Present

This work, written as a personal journal by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, is a guide for inner peace, resilience, and ethical living. It’s a timeless handbook for anyone seeking wisdom in chaotic times.Carry these lessons with you, and you’ll find strength, clarity, and purpose in the modern world.

Why Read Meditations?

Timeless Wisdom from Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Meditations (Medieval Greek: Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν, romanized: Ta eis he'auton, lit. 'things to one's self') is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy. Marcus Aurelius wrote the 12 books of the Meditations in Koine Greek as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. It is possible that large portions of the work were written at Sirmium, where he spent much time planning military campaigns from 170 to 180. Some of it was written while he was positioned at Aquincum on campaign in Pannonia, because internal notes tell us that the first book was written when he was campaigning against the Quadi on the river Granova (modern-day Hron) and the second book was written at Carnuntum.

philosophy

Philosophy

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

mentalhealth

Mental Health

books

Books

meditation

Meditation

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was Roman emperor from 161 to 180 AD and a Stoic philosopher. He was the last of the rulers known, noncontemporaneously, as the Five Good Emperors and the last emperor of the Pax Romana, an age of relative peace, calmness and stability for the Roman Empire lasting from 27 BC to 180 AD.

Marcus Aurelius

Meditations

Growth embodies the journey of becoming. It is a progressive leveling up that transforms who we are into who we aspire to be. It is a never ending step-by-step journey, where each stage builds upon the last, paving the way for new achievements and greater understanding. At its core, growth begins with a change of habits—letting go of old patterns that no longer serve us and adopting practices that align with our aspirations. As well as, acquiring new knowledge, enriching our understanding of the world, and embracing the power of learning, a lifelong pursuit–Learning, Unlearning and Relearning.

The Journey of Becoming.

"The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who can't read and write, but those who can't learn, unlearn, and relearn."

Growth is not linear; it is a journey filled with twists, turns, peaks, and valleys. It doesn’t happen in a perfectly predictable upward trajectory. Instead, it is a zig zag, merged with series of mistakes, failures, setbacks, and even stagnation. It is stepping into discomfort, embracing uncertainty, and finding strength in vulnerability. Growth is not far fetched; it is a journey well within our grasp. It thrives in the quiet power of persistence, where small, consistent efforts steadily compound into meaningful transformation. It doesn't demand monumental leaps, but steady and gradual steps

Reality of Growth.

The big question now is, would you rather remain where you are, comfortable but stagnant, or embrace the challenge to grow? Well, The choice is yours to make. It is either you settle for what is or to strive for what could be. Remember, what makes growth truly inspiring is its infinite nature. There is always another level to reach, another lesson to learn, and another opportunity to refine ourselves.Note to self 📌 Growth is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

The Big Question: Remain or Grow?

“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.”

“We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.”

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

habits

Habits

longevity

Longevity

The Idea of Growth.

"Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self judgement, self abuse and regret."

"Don't take anything personally, because nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is projection of their own reality, their own dream"

"The only way to get rid of the need to be right is to understand that it's not important to be right,"

"The biggest freedom is to be able to do what you want, but if you don't have the courage to do what you want, you're not free."

"Be Impeccable With Your Word.Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love."

"Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want.”

<a href="https://thetometreasure.blogspot.com/2024/06/the-four-agreements.html">Click Here</a>

For a short summary

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is a transformative book that offers a code of conduct based on ancient Toltec wisdom.

In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. •  A New York Times bestseller for over a decade •  Translated into 50 languages worldwide   “This book by don Miguel Ruiz, simple yet so powerful, has made a tremendous difference in how I think and act in every encounter.” — Oprah Winfrey “Don Miguel Ruiz’s book is a roadmap to enlightenment and freedom.” — Deepak Chopra, Author, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success “An inspiring book with many great lessons.” — Wayne Dyer, Author, Real Magic “In the tradition of Castaneda, Ruiz distills essential Toltec wisdom, expressing with clarity and impeccability what it means for men and women to live as peaceful warriors in the modern world.” — Dan Millman, Author, Way of the Peaceful Warrior

entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

business

Business

startup

Startups

Don Miguel Ruiz is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Don Miguel Ruiz has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Don Miguel Ruiz's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

Don Miguel Ruiz

Janet Mills is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Janet Mills has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Janet Mills's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

Janet Mills

The Four Agreements

"I want to be heard, I want to be heard! There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be heard. Being heard, seeking attention, and needing validation are three different things."

Wanting your voice, opinions, or feelings to be acknowledged and understood. It’s about connection and communication.

Being heard

Trying to draw focus to yourself, often for recognition or admiration, sometimes for its own sake.

Seeking attention

Looking for reassurance or approval to feel valued or confident in your choices or identity.

Needing validation

Everyone wants to be heard; they just don't accept it. If you're on social media, you want someone to hear you. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be heard! Wanting to be heard is not the same as wanting attention or validation

Otherwise, if you're just on social media to make money, you still want your posts, teachings, marketing, or whatever it is to be seen, agreed with, and for someone to buy into it

wanting to be heard is a natural and meaningful desire, not the same as seeking attention or validation.

communication

Communication

loveandrelationships

Love & Relationships

creativity

Creativity

To be heard 

“We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us.”

Obsidian and Evernote represent contrasting approaches to note-taking and PKM (Personal Knowledge Management) software. While Obsidian champions independence, local-first storage, and community-driven development, Evernote follows a more traditional, cloud-based corporate model. This fundamental difference highlights why Bending Spoons' acquisition attempt sparked controversy (more context <a href="https://x.com/kepano/status/1869115963620434369">here</a>).

The Clash of Software Philosophies

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Small, independent company ethos.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Bootstrapped growth model avoiding venture capital.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Local-first data storage philosophy.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Highly customizable through plugins.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Strong community focus with over a million loyal users.</li></ul>

Obsidian's Unique Value Proposition

The community's reaction to Bending Spoons' acquisition attempt demonstrates how software tools can transcend their utility to become cultural movements. Obsidian's users view themselves as defenders of a philosophical approach to software, not just customers of a product.

The Power of Community Resistance

Obsidian belongs to a distinct category called Tools for Thought (TfT), designed to enhance thinking processes rather than just store information. This fundamental difference sets it apart from conventional note-taking apps like Evernote, focusing on developing ideas rather than merely organizing them.

Tools for Thought vs. Traditional Note-Taking

While Obsidian's extreme customization capabilities attract power users, this flexibility can be overwhelming. The platform's complexity represents both its greatest strength and potential weakness, requiring significant user investment to maximize its benefits.

The Double-Edged Sword of Flexibility

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Avoiding emotional attachment to specific tools.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Focusing on concepts and workflows instead of software.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Maintaining flexibility to adapt to better solutions.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Preventing vendor lock-in and dependency.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Enabling continuous improvement through experimentation.</li></ul>

Tool Independence as a Strategic Advantage

The potential merger highlights the importance of cultural alignment in software acquisitions. The vast differences between Obsidian's community-driven approach and Evernote's corporate structure suggest any combination would face significant challenges.

Cultural Integration Challenges

The landscape of productivity tools continues to evolve, demonstrating why tool-agnostic approaches like ICOR® methodology prove valuable. This flexibility allows users to adapt and thrive as technology and needs change.

The Evolution of Productivity Tools

Join the <a href="https://plmv.world/join4free">Paperless Movement® Membership for FREE or buy the ICOR® Journey Book</a> to get started!

Boost your productivity now!

When culture clashes: Obsidian’s ethos vs. Evernote’s corporate strategies

productivity

Productivity

timemanagement

Time Management

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

Obsidian vs. Evernote: Why Bending Spoons’ Acquisition Ambitions Miss the Mark

I gazed at the sky, void and everything was meaningless. I asked the stars, I'm I still alive? Why?

Another day to experience despair.I went to pleasure to numb my brain and make time meaningless.

I looked at my dear friend pain, I hate him and despise him. Rather of being with pain with no results, I went to pleasure who took my sorrows away. Haha 😆

I want to die, I wanna sleep and leave this world. To whomever put me here on earth, I cursed you with all my heart. Definitely not my mother, that woman is innocent.

I looked at the dark sky; I cursed the humans beneath it, spit on the beings in the universe, I despise the angels and demons and I cursed the gods and my heavenly father.

I cursed you, now, strike me with death.I want none of your wonderful paradise, or eternal life, or anything.I...l...I...I just wanna rest

I'm sinking in the sea of despair Everyday feels suffocating I have worked hard all my life yet gained nothing. Everything's meaningless Argh!

I guess life's a gift to some but to me it's nothing but a curse. Life's toying with me and I became the comedian to the gods. A pathetic clown dancing in tune as a puppet. Isn't my life pathetic enough?

I wanna become a god,A beast wanna be a god?A slave wanna be a god?A clown wanna be a god?

Haha hahaHaha hahaHaha haha 😆 I must be foolish to dream, dream is for the fortunate.

Let me drink pleasure probably I'll die with it and never see tomorrow again. Pleasure is poisonous, it's killing me slowly, killing my dreams, killing my drive, killing my hope. Do I have no choice but to seek pain?

Do I have no choice but to keep living like a beast? If being a beast will allow me to be a god, I'll live like a beast till I become a god. If I die as a beast, I'll die like a god.No matter the results, death or life, I'm winning.

In the venom of pleasure, dreams wither.
In the fire of pain, gods are forged.

writing

Reading & Writing

space

Space

Pleasure is Poisonous yet Addictive 

Hanes believes that having a deep passion and a clear purpose is essential for enduring hardship and achieving extraordinary goals. He uses his own life as an example. His intense passion for bowhunting elk in the Oregon wilderness drives him to endure grueling physical challenges and constantly push his limits. He argues that finding something you're truly passionate about will fuel your determination and make obstacles seem surmountable.

The Power of Passion and Purpose

Hanes doesn't shy away from suffering; he embraces it as a necessary part of growth and self-discovery. He believes that by pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and facing challenges head-on, you build mental toughness and resilience. He argues that adversity reveals your true character and helps you develop the strength to overcome any obstacle.

Embracing Suffering and Adversity

"Keep hammering" is Hanes's motto, representing the relentless pursuit of your goals, even when faced with setbacks or doubts.  He encourages readers to adopt a "never give up" attitude and to consistently chip away at their goals, no matter how difficult they may seem. He emphasizes that consistency and perseverance are key to achieving long-term success.

"Keep Hammering": The Mantra of Persistence:

Hanes emphasizes the importance of both physical and mental fitness for achieving peak performance and enduring challenges. He describes his own rigorous training regimen, which includes ultramarathons, weightlifting, and intense backcountry hunts. He argues that physical fitness builds mental toughness and that mental fortitude is crucial for pushing through pain and fatigue.

The Importance of Physical and Mental Fitness

Hanes believes that developing a "no quit" mindset is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving your full potential. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief, positive self-talk, and visualizing success. He encourages readers to cultivate a mindset that embraces challenges and views setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Building a "No Quit" Mindset

I like this book because it resonates with me. In times when I feel like things aren't going my way, I need to remember that it's all part of the process!

THE EXPLOSIVE NEW YORK TIMES AND NATIONAL BESTSELLER Push beyond your physical limits to improve yourself by following bowhunter and ultramarathoner Cameron Hanes's lifelong philosophies and disciplines. “It’s all mental.” I say this all the time, and it’s true. If you believe you can do it, you can. We all have virtually limitless potential. Our bodies are capable of so much more than what we ask of them. Take off the mental handcuffs, get out there, and start on your way today. What is your passion? You can become better at it. Committing yourself to fitness only fuels your beliefs. You gotta believe to achieve. Cameron Hanes discovered his true passion for bowhunting when he was twenty. Inspired by the physical challenges of stalking elk in the Oregon wilderness—traversing mountainous terrain, braving erratic weather, and evading his quarry’s even more dangerous predators—he began an ever-evolving journey of self-improvement. To become the best bowhunter of wild elk, to the caliber he believed he could be, Cam realized he would need more than archery skills. He would need the stamina and strength that could only come from an athletic training regimen of long-distance running and heavy-weight lifting. And every day for more than thirty years, Cam has put in the work, building miles and muscles, pushing through pain with a single-minded focus on the only goal worth having—besting himself time and again. Part memoir, part motivational manifesto, Endure reveals how Cam—a self-professed average guy—put himself through the paces to live the life of an expert bowhunter, respected writer, and family man. With discipline, sacrifice, resilience, a hard work ethic, and a belief in his own capabilities, Cam not only accomplished his dreams but continues to surpass them. There is no secret to his success except relentless determination and loyal dedication to his own self-worth. If Cam can do it, we all can. Everyone has what it takes to endure adversity so we can rise above average, be the best we can be, and enjoy living life to the fullest.

Cameron Hanes

Endure

Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.

<ul><li>We live obsessed with the past and future, but life is only happening Now.</li><li>Time is a mental construct — the past is memory, and the future is imagination.</li><li> Freedom comes from fully experiencing the present moment, where life actually happens.</li></ul>

The Illusion of Time

Time isn’t precious at all because it’s an illusion. What you perceive as precious is not time but the one point that is out of time: the Now.

<ul><li>Imagine your mind as a lake. The surface may be stormy, but the depths are still.</li><li>Your thoughts are like surface waves — but deep within, you are calm and undisturbed.</li><li>Stop identifying with the surface (thoughts) and connect with the depth (stillness).</li></ul>

You Are the Whole Lake

You are the whole lake, not just the surface. The deeper you go, the calmer it is.

<ul><li>The mind constantly "talks" — but you are not that voice. You are just an observer. </li><li>Observe your thoughts without identifying with them.</li><li>Freedom begins when you stop believing every thought that enters your mind.</li></ul>

You Are Not Your Mind

What a liberation to realize that the 'voice in my head' is not who I am. Who am I then? The one who sees that.

<ul><li>Imagine yourself as transparent, not solid.</li><li>When others criticize or hurt you, don’t resist. Instead, let it pass through you.</li><li> Resisting only strengthens the pain — by offering no resistance, it loses its power.</li></ul>

Be Transparent, Not Solid

Imagine yourself as transparent rather than solid, so that when someone says something hurtful, it passes right through you.

<ul><li>Resisting reality only creates suffering.</li><li>Surrender isn’t giving up — it’s accepting “what is” fully, even if it’s uncomfortable.</li><li>True peace comes from allowing life to flow through you without resistance.</li></ul>

Surrender to What Is

<ul><li>The Ego is the false "I" — it thrives on comparison, pride, and fear.</li><li>The True Self is pure awareness, existing beyond thoughts and roles.</li><li>By being present, you disidentify with the Ego and connect with your true essence.</li></ul>

Ego vs. True Self

The ego wants to find itself in the future, but the future never comes. It only exists as a thought in the present moment.

<ul><li>Don’t just think with your mind — use your whole body’s intelligence.</li><li>Creative ideas come when the mind is still, not when it’s overactive.</li><li>Be still, and clarity will arise from within.</li></ul>

Think With Your Whole Body

When the mind is still, the body becomes still, and when the body becomes still, the mind can think more clearly and creatively.

<ul><li>The present moment is all you have — everything else is mental noise.</li><li>You don’t “find” peace; you create it by being fully present in the moment.</li><li>Instead of thinking about "later," focus fully on the here and now.</li></ul>

The Present Moment is the Key

<ul><li>The present moment is all you have — cherish it.</li><li>Observe your thoughts and disidentify with the Ego.</li><li>Peace is not something to chase. It’s found in this very moment. </li></ul>Master presence = Master life.

Final Thoughts: Be Here, Be Now

To make the journey into the Now we will need to leave our analytical mind and its false created self, the ego, behind. From the very first page of Eckhart Tolle's extraordinary book, we move rapidly into a significantly higher altitude where we breathe a lighter air. We become connected to the indestructible essence of our Being, “The eternal, ever present One Life beyond the myriad forms of life that are subject to birth and death.” Although the journey is challenging, Eckhart Tolle uses simple language and an easy question and answer format to guide us. A word of mouth phenomenon since its first publication, The Power of Now is one of those rare books with the power to create an experience in readers, one that can radically change their lives for the better.

Eckhart Tolle is a teacher, author, and entrepreneur. He is a German-born resident of Canada best known as the author of The Power of Now and A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose. Tolle does not identify with any specific religion, but he has been influenced by multiple spiritual works.

Eckhart Tolle

The Power of Now

The misconception that being constantly busy or engaged in numerous tasks automatically equates to being productive. Some individuals may appear busy, creating a visible image of progress, while those who focus on meaningful, high-impact work often remain less visible. These individuals work diligently behind the scenes, and the true value of their efforts may not always be immediately recognized, as others may take credit for the visible, less significant tasks.

"Busyness as a proxy for productivity"

It refers to tasks, often shallow work, that lack clear, measurable outcomes, making it difficult to assess their true value. These tasks, like emails or meetings, dominate workplaces because they create the illusion of productivity, even though they contribute little to meaningful progress. Cal Newport argues that this lack of clear metrics traps individuals and organizations in low-value activities, diverting focus from deep work, which drives long-term results but is harder to measure immediately.

The Metric Black Hole

It refers to the tendency of individuals and organizations to gravitate toward the easiest, most convenient tasks, especially when there are no clear measures of productivity. People often default to shallow work—like answering emails or attending meetings—because these tasks require less effort, create the illusion of productivity, and are socially reinforced.

Principle of Least Resistance

The Principle of Least Resistance hinders deep work by encouraging a reactive focus on low-value tasks, creating a highly visible simulacrum of progress rather than fostering purposeful, high-impact efforts. Overcoming it requires intentionally prioritizing challenging yet meaningful work.

The Cult of the Internet thrives in a society where constant connectivity is seen as a marker of success. This obsession with being online, driven by technopoly—where technology dictates societal values—distracts from meaningful, focused work. As Neil Postman warned, when technology leads unchecked, we lose the ability to critically evaluate its impact. This reinforces presenting digital platforms as solutions to every problem, making it difficult to resist the constant pull of the internet. This results in distractions and instant gratification overshadow deep, intentional work.

The Cult of the Internet

The rise of the Cult of the Internet is a reflection of technopoly, where society uncritically elevates technology as the ultimate answer to all needs. This mindset, closely tied to the Uber Ideology, leads to a culture that prioritizes online engagement at the expense of meaningful, focused activities. In this world, individuals fall into a cycle of digital distractions, much like the citizens of Brave New World, who, trapped in superficial pleasures, avoid the challenges of engaging in more profound and productive work.

Technopoly

Deep work challenges the norms of modern workplaces, which favor visible busyness and shallow tasks. While businesses value constant connectivity, focusing on deep, meaningful work benefits individuals by fostering mastery and producing higher-quality results. Rejecting workplace distractions may conflict with corporate culture but leads to personal growth and long-term success. Deep work prioritizes value creation over the illusion of productivity.

Bad for Business. Good for You.

Deep work is Rare. Deep Work Vs Highly Visible Simulacrum of Progress.

corporateculture

Corporate Culture

Fight the Drift toward Mediocrity

Without objective morality, we could not be held more accountable for our actions than could a flying piece of shrapnel from an explosion.﻿

The existence of morality proves that we are innately valuable as image bearers of God. Thus we have a moral duty to love God and neighbor which is the ultimate summary of the 10 commandments. Jesus shows it here in Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Why It Is CRUCIAL

A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.

What’s Wrong With Subjective Morality??

Criminals pray for a universe where they can make up the rules. After all, if morality is up to the individual, who is to say that what they do is wrong? Furthermore, who is to say that a society is wrong if they have all agreed upon something? This is why slavery was a massive problem. When a society turns away from a standard of right and wrong, you will have a nation that dehumanizes anyone who’s skin color isn’t white for their selfish gain. Thank God for Christian abolitionists that stood up to the law makers and plantation owners in order to put an end to the evil that was taking place.

Subjective Morality Always Fails

Morality is truth in full bloom.

In conclusion, a standard of morality can also be used as a mirror to hold up to yourself and see how you compare.The bad news is that no one is perfect. All have fallen short and broken the moral code that God has given us. However, the good news is that Jesus was perfect and He made a way back to the Father. Romans 3:23-24 states that:“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Christ fulfilled the Law and sacrificed Himself so that we can have salvation through His perfect work. Amen.

So You Haven’t Been Perfect…

There must be a standard that we hold ourselves to! God is the eternal creator of all things, which includes right and wrong.

Morality

Find  Self Improvement Tips - Curated from popular Books like Atomic Habits, 48 Rules of Power, Deep Work, Rich Dad Poor Dad and way more!