Think about the last time something upset you, was it the event itself or your reaction to it?

Epictetus asserts that it is not the things which happen to us that cause disturbance, but our interpretation of these things. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, you might view a packed morning subway ride as a horrible inconvenience.

But consider this: aren’t you entering a situation armed with preconceived notions of how it should go? People, by and large, tend to focus on external circumstances—things beyond their control—rather than their own viewpoints.

Look at things from another angle. That crowded train, for instance. Instead of letting it ruin your mood, try to shift your perspective. Maybe it gives you the chance to practice patience, kindness to strangers, or even learn how to create a small, calm space for yourself amid chaos.

Epictetus wants us to understand that our power lies not in controlling every detail of the world around us (which is impossible), but in navigating our perceptions and reactions to what happens to us in it.

This idea can be liberating: even when we find ourselves in undesirable situations, we have the ability to choose how we think about them. So exercise that power, and let it elevate your experience of daily life.