Imagine you've been sailing smoothly, but looming ahead is a thunderstorm. While others might panic as the first drops of rain hit the deck, the seasoned sailor is unfazed. They saw the clouds brewing and knew to expect a storm.

This is the essence of what Seneca is getting at. The wise person doesn't merely react to trouble; they are mentally prepared for it well in advance. Just like a diligent student preparing for an exam, a Stoic trains the mind for all eventualities.

How often do you find yourself surprised by setbacks, as if they aren't part of the normal human experience? The job you thought was secure is suddenly not, the car breaks down, or a relationship ends. These are common life events, yet they often catch us off guard, draining our emotional and physical resources.

By acknowledging that life is a series of cycles and challenges, you can shift from "I hope this doesn't happen to me" to "I am prepared if it does." It's not pessimism, but readiness.

So, next time you’re enjoying a run of good luck, ask yourself, "Am I also getting ready for life’s inevitable difficulties?" Preparation doesn't rob you of optimism—it armors you with resilience.