Finding my core

I seem to have lost my way. My OC personality once again focussed too strongly on the trappings of my life, without due consideration for the content. I had forgotten that ADF serves as framework, the language, for my life style, and that the core of it is Stoicism. I wrote the following in and email this morning, trying to explain what Stoicism meant to me, to a self proclaimed Cynic:

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Peter: ...When we take on, or attempt to take on this mantle of Stoicism... we are [placing ourselves] 'up there' with the all-time greats: Pythagoras, Socrates, Epictetus, Jesus, Buddha, and the like--no? It's not a very long list: but have we got what it takes to join it? If we haven't then our Stoicism is a waste of time--we're living a make-believe Stoicism, a substitute Stoicism, a second-best Stoicism. But then don't they say you shouldn't give up, doesn't Epictetus say it, you should not give up just because there islittle chance of attaining the highest. ...So a qualified Stoicism is better than none?... Where's the optimistic voices in this group?

Me: Here is your optimistic (and resounding) YES! Even the path to
becoming a Sage (whoever, where ever, whatever that is) is strewn with
diamonds.

By my faith in logos, my trust in phusis and my hope of eudaimon, I
have the courage to face the world and its visicitudes.

Through acting virtuously, towards virtuous ends, for virtue's sake, I
am daily granted the serenity of knowing that I am in the right place,
at the right time, doing the right thing.

In my efforts to subject appearances to assent, acts to reservation,
and practice to examination, I daily receive the wisdom upon which I
build my days.

I may not be a 'true' Stoic (I do not believe that enough of their
teachings survive to know) but I am grateful for the joy I experience
daily through these teachings.

And that is enough (and ideed all we can expect).

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And for me, it is enough. It truly is Stoicism that is the core of my life. I need to remember that. Always