Thanks, Martine, for writing this. It helps me a lot in understanding my own journey. I was never a stoic. I tried to find my path the rational way and didn't succeed. I kept asking myself: what do I want? What do I really want?

The answer came when I wasn't looking. I learn best in ways that I don't understand rationally.

I found my intuition behind the thoughts and emotions and went on my way...

But I can imagine very clearly that other people will find their way rationally through stoicism. It's all just a tool to help you on your journey. And we all have to decide for ourselves which tools work for us. Be our own gurus.

But that's not what I wanted to add to your story. I just want to say that people like me, young at heart, but not so young in physical years, should not worry about time too much.

Regrets about your past and your 'sleeping years' are not relevant. They are a waste of time again now that you are aware and awake. So just be happy and play. Keep your eyes focussed on the more beautiful horizon and share your stories...