In life, our own flaws and vices are like shadows, trailing us wherever we go.

Marcus is nudging us to confront our personal shortcomings rather than exhausting ourselves trying to avoid the faults of others, which is as fruitless as outrunning our own shadow. It's all about taking personal responsibility.

When was the last time you caught yourself blaming someone else for your frustration or anger? It's oddly comforting to point the finger outward, but Aurelius reminds us that real change starts from within.

Think about the power you reclaim when you stop letting other people's problems dictate your peace of mind. Where could you be investing that energy instead? Perhaps into overcoming your own impatience, or maybe improving your discipline.

Every day presents opportunities for you to turn inward, to work on fleeing from the ‘badness’ within yourself, which you can control, instead of fixating on the uncontrollable: the actions and characters of those around you.

So, why not focus on cultivating your garden instead of trying to sweep away the leaves blowing in from your neighbor's yard?