In this episode of Navigate the Day, I reflect on what it really means to guard my perceptions—not in a rigid or emotionless way, but as an ongoing, imperfect practice. Epictetus reminds us that peace of mind isn’t something that gets taken from us; it’s something we quietly trade away through careless judgments. And if I’m honest, I’ve been selling mine far too cheaply.
I’m an opinionated person by nature. Nearly everything that happens gets labeled instantly, usually with a negative slant. This week, I found myself questioning whether that habit is actually helping me navigate life or just exhausting me. Watching over my perceptions doesn’t mean denying reality or pretending things don’t hurt—it means slowing down enough to notice when my interpretations are making things heavier than they need to be.
I talk openly about how anger, fear, desire, and avoidance still shape my days. Anger doesn’t explode outward like it used to, but it often turns inward now, showing up as frustration and self-blame. I’ve also noticed how easily I trade long-term freedom for short-term comfort—whether that’s overspending, avoiding responsibility, or distracting myself from discomfort instead of addressing it. Each time I do that, I’m choosing relief over clarity, and comfort over growth.
This episode is also about mistrust—specifically, my struggle to trust my own judgment. I’ve made choices I regret, and that history makes it hard to believe that pausing and reflecting will lead to better outcomes. Still, Marcus Aurelius reminds us that many of our strongest reactions come from mental images and stories, not from reality itself. When I don’t question those stories, I let fear and pessimism run the show.
Watch Over Your Perceptions isn’t about achieving perfect self-mastery or eliminating emotion. It’s about practicing vigilance in small moments—pausing before giving my peace away, questioning whether my judgments are true, and remembering that inner freedom depends on what I choose to value. I’m still struggling, still uncertain, and still learning. But this week reminded me that guarding my perceptions isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about giving myself a better chance to live with steadiness, honesty, and hope.
Thank you for listening and joining me on my journey of self-discovery!
Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books
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