11/20/2025
What if the path to strength is choosing to push the boulder anyway?
Today is World Philosophy Day, and at its heart is philosophia, "philia," the love of, and "sophia," wisdom. Philosophy isn’t just something we study; it’s the ongoing work of examining our own values, motives, and the way we meet the world.
In honor of that inner work, I’m sharing a challenge inspired by my favorite philosophical image from Albert Camus: The Myth of Sisyphus. Camus believed that even within a repetitive, seemingly meaningless task, we can discover a defiant joy; an “inner summer” that no circumstance can extinguish. His point wasn’t despair, but rebellion! We become free the moment we choose how we carry our burden.
I'd like to start something today and see what we can do together between now and next year's World Philosophy Day. The challenge is below. Please tag me and anyone else you believe would enjoy this challenge. Post a picture or reel telling us about what you found within yourself during this challenge. Don't forget to tag me! I want to cheer you on!
The Sisyphus Challenge instructions
Find a hill. (If you cannot walk or run, choose any demanding obstacle that feels like one.) Carry something heavy. For one hour, move up and down your “hill.” No music. No watch. Place your timer at the bottom so you only know your task is done when it rings.
During that hour, reflect on your why. Ask how you might, like Sisyphus, cultivate happiness even in the face of monotony, difficulty, or doubt. What does it mean to choose the climb?