Reframe Everything
“Why see more misfortune in the event than good fortune in your ability to bear it?”
—Marcus Aurelius
Meditations
It's easy to fixate on the wrong—the cancelled plan, the job interview that didn't go as hoped, the unexpected bill.
But what if, instead of dwelling on the misfortunes themselves, you celebrated your capacity to handle them?
Consider the last time something didn't go your way. Sure, it was disappointing. But aren't you here now, having weathered the storm? This isn’t to trivialize your experience, but to highlight your strength.
Challenge yourself to shift perspective. Next time an obstacle arises, take a moment before reacting with distress or frustration. Ask yourself: How has past adversity equipped me to deal with this? What skills and strengths do I possess that will help me overcome this challenge?
It’s not about denying the hardship; it's about acknowledging that you are just as formidable, if not more so, than the challenges you face.
By doing this, you not only minimize the impact of misfortune but also reinforce the idea that you are capable, adaptable, and unwavering in the face of life's inevitable ebb and flow.