Mr. Darcy has been on my mind this week. Not because he’s the fantasy of so many women, but because I finally read Pride and Prejudice, and discovered something shocking (to me) about him. 

I’d always thought of Mr. Darcy as this tall, brooding, misunderstood character. The fabulously wealthy, handsome man who everyone thinks is a jerk, but secretly has a heart of gold and wants to take care of you. This is why women have been obsessed with him for hundreds of years. The strong, silent, mysterious hero. 

But that’s not who he starts out as in the book. 

Reading Pride and Prejudice reveals so much more about him, and about what it takes to change and grow. 

In this episode, I’ll share what Mr. Darcy’s transformation can teach us about:

1. how honest conversations can lead to personal transformation – for you and the person you’re speaking with.
2. why hard conversations are worth having, even when they feel risky or uncomfortable.
3. what Stoic principles and practical communication tools can help us handle conflict gracefully.

By the way – hello! I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, an American writer, communication coach, and practicing Stoic based in England.

sarahmikutel.com

Nonviolent communication tips

Last week, I gave one of the lightning talks at Stoicon 2024. The topic: How to Combat Speaking Anxiety with Stoicism.

Want to see the video? Head to my Substack 👉 Citizens of the World

Thanks for listening ❤️

sarahmikutel.com

Live Without Borders is now called Citizens of the world 🎉 

This podcast will continue to share how we can thrive through Stoic wisdom, better communication, and global exploration – so why change the name? I explain it all in this episode. 

Love,
Sarah

sarahmikutel.com

Welcome, fellow citizen of the world. Today we are roadtripping through Turkey with my friend Michelle Warner-Martin. 

Michelle recently roadtripped across Turkey through:

• Bursa
• Ephesus
• Pamukkale
• Konya
• Istanbul 
• Adana 
• Mersin 
• Cappadocia

And she’s here to highlight the incredible experiences you can when traveling across Turkey. 

Michelle is a wedding photographer, which allows her to travel in the off season when things are less crowded and less expensive. 

Have you been to Turkey? Share your favorite memories with me! I’d love to hear from you on Instagram, or you can email me :)

***

Hi 👋 I’m your host Sarah Mikutel, an American expat in England. I love meeting fellow citizens of the world. Things I’m into: Stoicism, travel, and helping introverts communicate with confidence. Want to be friends?
https://sarahmikutel.com/
@sarahmikutel

Why do we get angry? How can we challenge our immediate reactions? And what's the best way to articulate our feelings without passive aggression or a blow-up? 

In this episode, you'll learn  four Stoic tips to turn potential conflicts into opportunities for personal growth and stronger relationships.

Travel can be restorative, fun, and, in my opinion, it’s the greatest form of diplomacy there is. Because we get to know people as individuals rather than stereotypes. We develop deeper connections as true citizens of the world. We experience life.

Yet travel and trading countries is not a magic pill for happiness. There is no perfect place, and wherever we go, we take our problems with us.

I’m reading David Fideler’s excellent book Breakfast with Seneca, where he quotes Seneca in one of his letters: 

“If you want to escape your troubles, you don't need to be somewhere else: you need to be someone else.” 

Those searching for meaning or purpose in life might think a new place will provide answers. But a new location, a new job, a new partner doesn’t guarantee a better life or a fresh start. 

Finding purpose involves understanding your values, interests, and goals. It’s internal work that can be done anywhere.

sarahmikutel.com
Looking to live a more Stoic life? Let's chat.

Our intentions don’t always line up with our outcomes, and misunderstandings lead to anger, sadness, frustration, and conflict. In this episode, I’ll talk about intent vs impact, which is more important, and how to effectively and ethically communicate your intentions. Of course, I’ll be weaving in the timeless wisdom of the Stoics.

Hi, I’m Sarah Mikutel, your communication and mindset coach, an Enneagram 9 expat in England, and practicing Stoic.  Introverts come to me to learn to speak confidently in front of a room, online, and in social situations without becoming a sweaty, blushing mess with a stress headache.

Introvert Emergency Kit
 
Click here if you're ready to become a less anxious, more charismatic public speaker.

When it comes to public speaking, what exactly are you afraid of? 

Most people I talk to don’t explore their fears at all – and this makes them worse. 

The thought of public speaking brings up such uncomfortable feelings that they try to ignore them or stuff them down – which is why they continue to suffer from speaking anxiety, one of the most common fears in the world. 

How is an amorphous ‘fear of fear’ holding you back and keeping you quiet?  

I’m Sarah Mikutel, your communication and mindset coach. By the end of this episode, you will know:

• what you’re really afraid of when you say you don’t like public speaking – no more amorphous clouds of discomfort,
• how anxiety manifests in our mind and body and why not managing it is so harmful,
• the beliefs underlying the four different flavors of public speaking anxiety, and 
• Stoic practices you can do to let go of anxiety so you can more eloquently express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

So no more holding in what you want to say and then internally screaming when someone else voices what you’d been thinking. It’s time to start feeling more calm and confident when you speak. 

Let’s dive in. 

sarahmikutel.com

Want to come to Bulgaria with me? For real. My friend Zlatina (who's also today's guest) and I are bringing a small group here for an authentic  Balkan experience in May. This is not some naff bus tour. We're inviting a max of 10 world travelers to join us to explore Bulgaria's hidden gems (as well as its most culturally significant sites).

Get on the waitlist now so you get priority to come plus a special early-bird rate. 

How amazing does this sound: walking along the ancient Roman amphitheater; sipping award-winning wine in the Thracian Valley; inhaling the floral fragrance of roses in the fields; soaking in the waters of a life-giving spa; dining with new friends in excellent restaurants – if that sounds like your idea of a good time, come with us May 15-21, 2024.

Back to today's episode...

Plovdiv, Bulgaria  is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Walking through the Old Town is like walking through an open museum, with its cobblestone streets, centuries-old houses, and ancient masterpieces — including the Roman amphitheater, where you can still watch shows. 

But this isn’t a city frozen in time. 

Named a European Capital of Culture, it's a city of festivals and creative energy, especially in districts like Kapana (“the Trap”). 

Today I’m speaking with my friend Zlatina Ervenlieva,  a world traveler, tour guide, Bulgarian native, and all around fantastic spirit.

In this episode, you’ll hear insider travel tips on what to see, do, and savor in Plovdiv, Bulgaria and beyond. 

Get on the waitlist to join Zlatina and I in Bulgaria for a trip of a lifetime in May. 

We often hear how negative self-comparisons can be, especially when it comes to social media. But what if we could use comparison as a force for good? A tool to help us grow and flourish at work and in our personal lives?  Great news, we can!

Today you’ll learn how to stop negatively comparing yourself to others and start measuring your progress in healthier and more productive ways. Plus, you’ll learn the scientific theory about why you’re actually more likable the less perfect you are.

Hi, I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to take this work deeper and radically transform your life? Let's talk. Book your call here. 

sarahmikutel.com 

Have you ever wondered why the richest countries on Earth consistently rank so high in anxiety and depression? 

Research says this is because we’re so overstimulated by instant gratification that our brains never feel satisfied and become increasingly unhappy in the quest for more. We’re literally addicted to pursuing pleasures that will never satisfy us.

The cure to this man-made misery? Self-control. 

I know, I know. Your body might be rejecting this idea as too boring or hard. But stay with me. 

In this episode, you’ll learn how hyper-access to indulgence is physiologically changing your brain, and I’ll coach you on what to do so you can calm your mind and start experiencing more vitality and true joy on a permanent basis.