“The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.”
-Lin Yutang
As we get older and use our experiences in life to apply the right knowledge, at the right time, and in the right way, we begin to appreciate the simple over the complex. We begin to double-down on the essentials and eliminate the non-essentials. The none-essentials begin to stick out and glare for what they really are… a waste of time, energy, and resources.
Not necessarily minimalism just for minimalism’s’ sake, but a stream-lining of priorities that allows us to premeditate the affairs of our lives and experience comfort and contentment now – while manifesting a better and brighter future.
Do I really need that next, ellusive “thing,” or are my mental and physical resources best spent on optimizing what I already have?
Do I really need to surround myself with more “stuff” to feel happy, whole, content, secure, and complete?
Or, do I need to eliminate the mental and physical clutter so I can have enough elbow room to make fair and honest assessments of what I really need/want?
Wisdom is found in knowing when and how to eliminate the non-essentials in our lives so we can double-down on the things that REALLY matter most.
Applied wisdom understands that we’re not really after the things or stuff… we’re after the experiences that we think and expect the things/stuff to help us create. Is it possible to create the experience now, without having to chase the objects? That’s wisdom!
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A Little Bit About Me…
Hi, my name is Daniel Fortune. I’m a husband to 1, dad to 5, U.S. Army combat veteran, mental health advocate, writer, and public speaker currently residing in the central valley of the sunny state of California. I started the Minding My Own Madness Blog as with a vision to become one of the best personal development and mental health resource blogs. As someone who has battled with combat related PTSD and Bipolar 1 Disorder for 2 decades now, I intimately know the unique struggles people living with a mental illness face. Feel free to contact me at info@danielfortune.blog if you find yourself in crisis or would just like to say hi. I’m always just a message away.
“You can’t fail if you refuse to quit. Keep fighting the good fight and NEVER lose hope. You’re not alone. There are other people feeling the same way you feel right now. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of wisdom.”
I had the honor of serving with Fortune overseas. He is a solid guy and our relationship has lasted long after us both leaving the Army. He has helped me get out of dark places multiple times. I’m extremely grateful for his friendship and ability to sense when others are in need. Read his content, ask him questions, and journey well!
— Eric (Friend/Army veteran)
So glad I found this blog! It helped me find the mental health resources I needed and get out of a rough patch. Doesn’t hurt to shoot Daniel a message. He was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to respond to me. You won’t regret it. He’s a really cool, down to earth, and knowledgable guy who knows what it’s like to struggle. So grateful for this blog!
— Spencer
Daniel Fortune 
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