“Do you ask what I seek from virtue? I answer, ‘Virtue.’ It is its own reward. Does this not appear great enough, when I tell you that the highest good is an unyielding strength of mind, wisdom, magnanimity, sound judgement, freedom, harmony, beauty?” – Seneca

The reward in living a life in pursuit of being the best people we can become is that we get closer to becoming the best people we can become. This is enough of a reward, in and of itself.

When we learn to discipline ourselves to focus our energy and attention only the things that we actually have control over, we have a sense of peace and increased control over our destiny. This is a reward.

When we learn to discipline our reaction to the events that occur around us, even to us and we control our thoughts to keep us from being hurt or offended by things we had no control over, our interpersonal relationships become easier and more enjoyable. This is a reward.

When we learn to discipline our impulses and decision making we find ourselves wasting less time, money, and energy on things that we don’t need or things that will not truly provide a benefit to us on our path. This leaves us with more time, money, and energy. This is three rewards.

So let’s stay on the path and every once in awhile let’s take a look around us and take inventory of all of the rewards the path has provided us with.

virtus fortis vocat