Welcome to the Daily Dad podcast, where we provide one lesson every single day to help you with your most important job, being a parent.

I'm Ryan Holliday, and I draw these lessons from ancient philosophy, modern psychology, practical

wisdom, and insights from parents just like you all over the world.

Thank you for listening, and we hope this helps.

It's only been given for an hour.

Seneca knew from experience in one of the most dreadful periods of his life, he lost his livelihood, his home, and then his young child. He was exiled on false charges. He buried an infant. Fortune. She can be cruel. This is why a Seneca would write in a beautiful and moving essay known as one of his consolations that he would write to Marcia, the daughter of a prominent Roman historian.

He wrote, snatch the pleasures your children bring, let your children in turn find delight in

you, and drain joy to the dregs without delay. No promise has been given you for this night.

Nay, I have offered too long a respite. No promise has been given even for this hour.

Two thousand years later, that hard one reminder holds true. Nothing is promised. The future is

uncertain. It's a scary world, one that we're hostages to, as we've said, but we can't dwell

in sadness or fear. All we can do is hold our children tight. We must snatch the pleasures

they bring us and bring them pleasures to. Drain joy to the dregs together. Enjoy the hour

because not one second more is guaranteed.

Hey, you're listening to the Daily Dad podcast, one meditation a day inspired to help you do your most important job,

which is be a great father. These are meditations inspired by ancient wisdom, psychological

research, and just great strategies from normal dads just like you. Thanks for listening.