My friends are drifting away, my girlfriend/companion has abandoned me, I have just come off of night shifts in a job where I don't have any close work friends, I'm feeling more and more isolated, I was about to waste time on my computer and I saw your video title and thought "fortune you play with me". Thank you Ryan.

Being alone is fine. Having no one to share or express anything with is the difficult part

"Everything that happens happens as it should, and if you observe carefully, you will find this to be so." - Marcus Aurelius

I felt pretty lonely today. Losing my job with my dad fighting cancer. Getting into a road accident and losing a friend while going through a breakup and all this happening in the past 3 months have taken a toll on me. But I still move

#7: Go For a Walk As Soren Kierkegaard wrote, “Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Everyday, I walk myself into a state of well-being & walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.”

I am lonely because I have outgrown my friendships. They are still doing the same bad habits, and I have moved past that, but I have done it on my own. I wish they were with me.

I lost my father in 2016, my brother in 2021, and then my sister and best friends in 2022. I am all alone now, and it's excruciating, but this is my reality and it's up to me to make the best of it and improve it.

1:30 - Be a Better Friend to Yourself 3:08 - Express Love, Feel Love 4:00 - Suffer with Others 5:35 - What You Have Is Enough 6:16 - Ask for Help 8:55 - Find Peace Within 9:50 - Go for a Walk

When a man knows the solitude of silence and feels the joy of quietness he is then free from fear

I actually feel more at peace being alone and not feel lonely. I have my own hobbies. Maybe because I've found comfort in solitude after being surrounded by toxic, backstabbing, manipulative people. But even after meeting kind people, they have different insterest that doesn't click with mine. So yeah, I guess I'll be alone for a loooong time.

I recently became homeless in new jersey and living in my van in my 60's; I did not know loneliness could be mentally and physically painful. I watched as family, fair weathered friends turn away. It hurts, and I have experienced kindness from a few people that saved me. whatever "me" means Life is hard. I learned fast, if you ask for financial assistance or a place to sleep you are considered a : beggar, a failure,,,,,,an untouchable ...........money makes the world spin ......but if I turn my back on me , I could not survive, my only motivation at this point is to give voice to the less fortunate that have no voice in this place called the united states

Asking for help is what I struggle the most with but I’m slowly learning and opening up to it as of lately. My mind tells me my family and friends don’t care but the reality is that I have people in my life who truly do and love me and that’s already a blessing in itself.

Today was actually the first day ever that I consciously decided "I'm going for a walk". I found myself on the boardwalk of a beach and walked to the shoreline. 20 minute walk. IT DID WONDERS for my psyche. Then I watch this video. It's so affirming. Can't wait for tomorrow's walk.

At 42 I’ve finally learned to be completely content with being alone. I’ve always been okay with it to some degree but I’ve reached a new level of understanding and acceptance recently. I think the ancient stoics would be pleased that their wisdom is being spread far and wide through the wonders of modern technology.

The timing is never been better

"remember you're not talking to a bad person" "you don't HAVE to go out and be with people to get that excitement- it exists inside of yourself, be sociable remember that you already have everything inside of you without the need to rely on others"

Im all alone and sick with long-term mononucleosis symptoms. Everytime I try to make my situation better, I make my health worse. It's torture but at least it's making me realize I'm tougher than I ever thought I was.

I have lived most of what he’s mentioned. Got out the military, moved across the country started a life when I knew nobody. But I haven’t made any friends and I honestly don’t care to, to others I look lonely but to myself I am happy. Being comfortable with being alone is a gift. Love yourself, have a ROUTINE(seriously. Gym, cooking, etc stay busy) and be proud of what you accomplished so far!! I am also a person who is easily influenced by other people’s decisions and I have a history to attract couch potato friends and I will become one if I have the wrong people around me. If it wasn’t for me loving myself/sticking to a routine I would have probably moved back to my home town due to loneliness. I do what I want when I want without anyone’s discretion and I love it. Being alone is not a bad thing it’s all your MINDSET!

Ryan is the Godfather of Modern Stoicism. Encountering him has rekindled my interest in Stoicism, helping me to cope with my Parkinson’s disease and my wife’s ongoing illnesses. I owe him a debt of gratitude.

I have been dealing with loneliness since my childhood. Being in the foster care system is a very lonely experience. I lived in several different placements and in each, although others were around, I felt lonely. BUT I learned how to be with myself. I developed a love for reading which has served me right as adult, in my work life and in healing the damaging affects of foster care experience. I got bullied because I rather be to myself. All my activities are solitary activities. I have struggled with being a friend to myself.

I’ve been alone and only by myself in a room in a city in Asia. I don’t talk to anyone irl. Been like this for years now. Im a fugitive, and at the end of the rope. I miss only my girl, who’s turning 13 this month. She’s on the other side of the planet from where I am. Just felt like open up. Take care and be safe 🙏

I was sorting through my grandfather’s WWI belongings the other day. He survived commanding a machine gun company on the frontline of the largest assault of the war. He was a great man but struggled with loneliness. The wrappings for his helmet: a newspaper article from the 50’s about the genius and eternal relevance of Marcus Aurelius, Aristotle and Seneca.

'The Obstacle is the Way' - Great book!

Incredible tools in this video, like to add that another way to dramatically improve your life on every front is to stop drinking alcohol! 159 days No Alcohol 🏆🎉🙌🥇🚀

I'm completely destroyed.. my wife left.. took my kid, my dog. And forced me out on the streets to die. I've lost every possession I own. And this morning I was beaten up and robbed for my jacket. Normally I could have defended myself but 2 weeks of barely anything to eat has left me weak. But.. I refuse to give up. I'm not garbage.. I'm a fuckin veteran for God sake. All I can do is hope the sun shines Tomorrow and keep trying to live. Bless you all.

You are right about walking. Absolutely right!

I have to say, I battle extreme feelings of loneliness. I turn to Seneca often because of the fact that his writings came out of his own loneliness in exile.

If I am honest, this is the most touching and self revealing video Ive found thank you.

Always been a bit of a loner. Now I'm in a long distance relationship, my family are all in different countries and I haven't had close friends since high school. In a few months I'll be moving countries once again and starting over. I realised recently that I've allowed this to keep me from doing things. Gonna make more of an effort to enjoy the little things in life alone. I realise I've also let it keep me from appreciating all the little daily interactions. I will make more of an effort to be present in the little connections.

Keep inspiring more people to do the same. More blessings to you.

Dude you are changing my perspective about SO MANY THINGS. I'm really grateful

Sounds like this video was for me. "Whether you just got out of the military. You moved across the country. You were apart of a community and now thats not there. You were in a marriage and that marriage fell apart". I left the Army, Left hawaii and moved across the country, gotten divorced +more within a very short time period. Keep up the good work Ryan. We appreciate you!

I recently decided to cut out most of my supposed friends they were always toxic and always brought you down. Ive decided to stop talking to them and thoufh it may feel lonley at times thats okay. I have peace now😊

My journey of self improvement has led me down my own prioritising myself, I have become more lonesome, however it has made me enjoy my solitude much more

It appeared right when i need it. Thank you Ryan.

I often withdraw from people & society. To regroup with Me 🎣🏊🏻‍♂️. Yet I also spend time with others, loved one’s .. doing things, helping each other, enjoying time together ... greet video again Ryan 👊

Just what I needed to listen to. Thank you Ryan!

I like the idea about finding a community by finding people who do the things that you struggle to do. For example, running, martial arts, etc. For me, when you said that, it reminded me that I had been intending on finding a group to play live music with, since I am learning to play guitar. It might be fun to try to play in a group. I also really loved when you said, “Everyone you meet is an opportunity to practice kindness.” So true! If we can only keep that always in mind!

I read almost half of the Courage is Calling and came to thank you for the words, they inspired me a lot

Thanks very much Ryan, I needed this video as I've gone through a hard break up recently.. being kind to myself and asking for help were the two big ones for me.

Just bought 3 of Ryan’s books. Discipline is destiny, ego is the enemy, and courage is calling. So far loving discipline is destiny, very good work

Yep, this is me. Learning by myself that you should not SELF SABOTAGE. Look at your mindset and change it for the better.

Am in army. Listen dailystoic to live profoundly. Thanks mate for making videos. Love from 🇮🇳

In 2017 I was chosen to participate as a control in a DoD study examining “white matter hyperlesions” among U2 pilots. It’s fascinating to randomly run into this video and see the why.

I needed to hear this. Thank you Ryan.

Thanks for your teachings Ryan, you are an exceptional human being! Your book "The Daily Stoic" is one of my favourites! Reading every quote every day is a ritual nowadays for me!

I live in canada, my family is in india. I lost my grandpa last friday and my dad overdosed the next day. My father's alive but he's still in hospital. On top of that I gotta pay my sister's college fee. I don't even have the time to grief the death of my grandpa who I was closest too. I never felt more isolated. To send money I am currently working more than 16 hrs a day. But there's one thing that has kept me going... My mom said... "I'm proud of you my son, you've grown way past your age" (I'm 22) And now that I think of it, just 2 months before I was barely working 40 hrs a week and I never thought I can take on so much. In the end, I am still thankful to god that he's blessed me with this body that has enabled me to be there for my family.

This channel ALWAYS helps Thanks Ryan

That entire album from Head and the heart is really really great. The album is called the living mirage. Ryan holiday has got to be my favorite author. I've read several titles from him and his books have changed my life. I'm so glad that you dropped that quote from the head and the heart in there. Nice to know that my favorite author also has very good taste and music!

In alcohol rehab, lonely and missing my son. I am here to make the rest of our lives better. This lonely time is for healing

I have asked for help, and my work place used it against me, I was instantly looked at as weak, and never was able to advance, and employees around me treated me as lower in ability

This is my first video. I can see that i am going to binge these videos.

"Because we don't feel good about ourselves we isolate from others." Well, that explains a lot.

The forces that are beyond your control: those have the final say as to what's possible and not possible for you. Forces that are natural: even so, all powerful.

Hi Ryan, I don't know if you read these or not but I felt compelled to comment. I have been watching and reading your stuff for a couple of years now and this video just popped up and I was really impressed. I wouldn't say that I am terribly lonely but somethings did resonate with me. I thought this is clearly structured and supported with to the point everyday examples and primary quotes. It's a great example of applying these thoughts to contemporary life and also putting the timelessness of our humanity into perspective. It was a beautiful way to start my day. Thank you.

I have deep moments of despair wondering how I'm missing out and no longer a ve met remained true friends.

Also a lot of people confuse being alone with loneliness, they are not synonyms. A lot of people loves being alone because of solitude, that means to reflect and to be content with yourself.

I love this guy. Thank Ryan, Thank you.

Most of you define loneliness as a couple of days where your best friends aren’t available to hangout. Y’all don’t know the first thing about true loneliness

why does this video not have like billion views!? It’s so informative full of wisdom by renowned ancient philosophers!👍

Wow , thanks for standing up for the stoics !

Thank you, Ryan! When you're down on yourself, "Remember, you are not talking to a bad person." I'm loving the quality of your content and editing. Also, whatever camera you were using @0:45, keep using it!

I used to think I felt lonely in a world that is so rough at times… but really we are all humans .. all it takes is asking someone to go out for coffee or maybe a trip .. ask as many times as possible someone also feels alone… schools dance classes painting anything to do with crowds even carnivals .. we are the same species we are definitely not alone.. also forgive people and accept them it helps to keep your friends around and have many friends and you will feel you have abundance!

1:30-4:50 Important message for me : Remember you are not a bad person, Be kind to yourself See everyone you meet as an opportunity to feel love

What a freakin' treasure this material is...and you are, Ryan. ....you and Marcus (et al.) breathe life into the experience of life. Big thanks and Big Luv!!

I think I needed to hear this. Thank you

Going for a walk. I like to work out or do simple chores. Think it does the same as he says a walk does

God is with u, everywhere u go❤️

I was lonely and bored, now I'm fully occupied learning IT. Get busy people.

Amazing video, learned so much

I'm tired of living in my head. It's the same old anxiety. My inner retreats have translated into sleep. My health has been bad for quite some time. Life is not much fun when friends get distant.

Continuous loneliness makes the mind sharper and sharper

i have been able to find inner peace with these videos, my lifes not hard or anything, my biggest obstacle at the moment is exams, but for when hardships do come i have the knowledge to help me deal with and control my own self, thank you

my "go for a walk" is a set of swimming, whenever im in a motion of swimming, i can slove my probs, relieve stress or distract me for a minute. Thank you for giving us such useful knowledge about this for free !!!

Ryan's perspectives are tangible tools that can help in coping with feelings and thoughts we all have. I'm suscribed to his onece a week writings on stoicism which I get on Saturdays.

This has always been my favorite format for your videos brother

Who knows what life has in store for us, who knows what a particular situation will lead to....seemingly good news doesn't always prove itself, and seemingly bad situations sometimes takes us where we need to go....uncertainty is the name of life's game....if we can live with that and not get down, maybe we can experience a kind of grown up contentment.....even, if we are tuned in, some magic......

Thank you, Thank you for this vid. It's a good reminder that I'm not alone. ☀

I have friends, people I talk to at work, and family but they all feel like there at an arms distance away. It was my birthday yesterday and my friends/family told me happy birthday but I didn’t get anything or get asked if theres anything I wanted and instead bought myself some stuff I wanted and went to the movies by myself. I don’t drink/smoke/vape or party so I never really get invited to hang out and while all of my friends are starting college I’m working, training and studying to get my GED because I plan on going to the military. I have a lot more than others and I’m very great full for that but it’s hard to not feel lonely sometimes. Thank you for this great video and introducing me to the stoic philosophy.

Thank you Ryan❤ Thing about retreating yourself is good. And also being kind

I find comfort in these because it feels like having my story told by someone else about someone else, to me

I love everything about your videos. They really get me to think about life in a different way and view situations in a rational way. Keep up the great work, you make a positive impact on people like me!

I am just loving your videos, and getting so much out of them. Thank you so much! And I so agree with the idea of getting outside and going for a walk. Works every time.

one of your best videos ryan

I don't write on comments and don't really vent, but this felt right. Thank you for reading. I'm just a simple case of feeling emotionally disconnected with the people around me. I have a family and I'm fortunate enough to have most of them with me, and while I feel love and am given attention, I don't feel connected with friends or family. I feel disconnected, unseen, misunderstood. I'm an introvert who struggles to open myself to social experiences due to trauma and bullying from youth. I'm so guarded that I inadvertently deny myself potential friendships because I overthink the interaction. Deciding the words, deciding the delivery, if it's the right time, etc. So many turning cogs that seem so exasperating, so many people wearing costumes where I wear my real face. I feel lonely. I'm working to unlearn these bad behaviors, but putting myself out there is uncomfortable and partially anxiety enducing. But I do it anyway, bit by bit, because I must learn to be comfortable with discomfort if I'm to be wise.

Ryan Holiday is great.

“Not feeling good about yourself” makes sense as to why I isolate myself. Sometimes I don't feel good and worthy I feel unaccomplished. I don't think I am worthy so I isolate and remove myself from potential friendship/romantic relationships.

I HATE ads, but that ad was very helpful. Thanks for vetting your sponsors as useful and relevant.

Bro .. u have a family. You should be so thankful. My phone don't ring for a months

Beautiful! Loneliness is part of the human condition. We are all exiles, longing to return home. Monos pro monon.

Stoics believe that we should focus on what we can control and accept what we cannot control. They also believe in living in accordance with nature and developing self-control, wisdom, and courage. When it comes to dealing with loneliness, Stoics focus on developing their inner resources and finding joy in solitude. They see loneliness as an opportunity for self-reflection and self-improvement. Here are some strategies that Stoics use to deal with loneliness: 1. Practice self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. The Stoics believed in the power of self-awareness and introspection. Use this time of solitude to reflect on your values, goals, and priorities. 2. Accept the present moment: Accept your current situation and focus on what you can control. The Stoics believed that we should not waste energy on things we cannot control. Focus on taking care of yourself and finding joy in the present moment. 3. Develop inner resources: The Stoics believed in developing our inner resources, such as wisdom, courage, and self-control. Use this time of solitude to work on developing these qualities. 4. Practice gratitude: The Stoics believed in the power of gratitude. Take time to reflect on the things you are grateful for in your life, even if you are currently experiencing loneliness. 5. Connect with others: While Stoics find joy in solitude, they also recognize the importance of connection with others. Reach out to friends or family members, or consider joining a community or group that shares your interests. Overall, Stoics believe that loneliness can be a powerful opportunity for self-reflection and growth. By focusing on what we can control, developing inner resources, and finding joy in solitude, we can turn loneliness into a positive experience.

Waiting for the next Book :3

Seconded on going for walks as medicine for the soul. In university, I had the privilege of living on a safe campus and the curse of being a night owl. Many problems were solved (personal and educational) on my midnight walks almost every night. Doing it with no external stimulus, just me and my brain to keep myself company, was like a meditative exercise. The frustration of my engineering homework became calm as I realized what I’d been doing wrong, my personal problems became a dialogue between me and myself, as I worked through why I felt certain ways, and how I could do things differently as a person to improve my relationships and be a better person. I wish I was still in a situation where I feel comfortable taking a night walk, nothing beats that calm in the air like walking in a dead silent university campus at midnight.

Hey Ryan, I've been a swimmer all my life and it is my medicine. Swam for the Olympic Club and trained at LAAC a few times. Thanks for your work.

Really love this . All your videos i love and appreciate ❤

#2. I have practiced kindness. It's in my nature just as it is in the nature of the scorpion to sting. And I have been stung quite a lot.I have learned that it is not true that if you show kindness and love and gratitude to others around you, even to strangers or people who badmouth you, it doesn't always guarantee that you'll receive kindness or love in return. I am not kind out of expectations of kindness from others but that has often backfired upon me horribly. I have lost faith and I have crossed over the gap between frustration and acceptance.

The book/movie Papillon is extreme example of stoic loneliness.

I appreciate everything you do for your viewers. I have been seeking all the help I can, I know youtube only goes so far with anything but in the state of mind I'm in right now this is very helpful for me if even just to help me stop panicking. Making major life changes very quickly and I'm really testing myself with this. It's tough.

I really needed this video today. Thank you Ryan for all you do.

5:35 I learned this when I went I was stripped of all my belongings and thrown in jail. I haven't been attached to anything I own since. I've lost it all and thrown everything away to start from zero 3 times in my adult life.