Don't Make It Harder
“Anyone who likes may make things easier for themselves by viewing them with evenness of temper.”
—Seneca
Letters From A Stoic
There is an upside to maintaining a calm and even-tempered approach to life's ups and downs. By adopting an even keel, we ease the burden of our day-to-day experiences.
Think about the last time you faced a setback, whether it was a delayed train or a disappointing email. Did your mood drop? Did it make the problem worse?
Now, imagine handling the same situation with a steady mind, neither overly excited by success nor despondent in times of trouble. That's the "evenness of temper" Seneca is talking about.
Incorporating this stoic wisdom into daily life can be as simple as taking a deep breath when you feel overwhelmed or pausing to reflect before reacting.
Today, when you find yourself in a challenging situation, pay attention to your initial response. Do you tense up, or can you remain tranquil, viewing the circumstance with a balanced perspective? By practicing this, not only can you make things easier for yourself, but you can also influence those around you with your composure.
How will an even temper change your experience the next time life throws a curveball your way?