u/Most-Image9582

Hey guys,

I’m enlisting for my mandatory national service in country soon, which means two years of full-time military/state service.

As the date gets closer, I’m definitely feeling a mix of anxiety and dread. It’s a huge disruption to my life plans, and losing almost all my personal freedom and control over my daily schedule is a pretty tough pill to swallow.

Instead of just miserable-ing my way through the next two years, I want to actually use this as a chance to practice Stoicism in the real world.

I’m looking for some advice on a few things:

How do I actually apply the dichotomy of control when my sleep, food, and schedule are completely dictated by superiors?

Military life comes with plenty of physical exhaustion, and honestly, a lot of BS or unfair treatment. How do I maintain my inner peace when everything around me is chaotic or frustrating?

I want to get to a point where I don't resent this disruption, but see it as a way to build character.

If anyone here has gone through military conscription or a similar high-stress, high-control environment, how did you keep your head straight?

Appreciate any insights or book recommendations you guys have.

Thanks in advance.