Monthly Archives: February 2021

“But I slowly came to realize that self-criticism – despite being socially sanctioned – was not at all helpful, and in fact only made things worse.”

Posted on February 26, 2021 by Kate Stover

One of my English 1 students recently said, “I hate myself when I write essays.” Another student turned to her and said, “I thought I was the only one who did that.” Negative self-talk is very common among my students, … Continue reading →

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“In reality, Stoicism is not about suppressing or hiding emotion – rather, it is about . . . keeping in mind what is and what is not under our control, focusing our efforts on the former and not wasting them on the later.”

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Kate Stover

In the last year, so many things have happened to us as a result of COVID-19 that it’s easy to feel powerless.  I’m drawn to a philosophy that counters that feeling. Stoics recommend that instead of spending our energy railing … Continue reading →

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“We must accustom ourselves to talking without orating, and to writing without achieving Paradise Lost.”

Posted on February 4, 2021 by Kate Stover

It’s clear to me that times like these – frigid temperatures, fights in Washington, and February flatness — call for help from William Stafford. Why?  He is a poet who knows what to do when times are hard. Press on, … Continue reading →

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