You Can't Outrun Yourself
“All this hurrying from place to place won’t bring you any relief, for you’re traveling in the company of your own emotions, followed by your troubles all the way.”
—Seneca
Letters From A Stoic
Have you ever caught yourself racing through the day, task to task, hoping that if you could just get through your to-do list, you'd find some peace on the other side?
Seneca reminds us that peace isn't a destination; it's not waiting for us at the end of a hectic day. This is because no matter where we go or how fast we get there, our internal landscape travels with us. The stress, frustration, or sadness you feel while rushing through chores won't magically disappear upon completion; it hitches a ride with you, clinging stubbornly to your thoughts and coloring your experiences.
Consider, then, the importance of addressing your inner turmoil instead of trying to outrun it. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the day ahead, take a moment to breathe and establish a sense of calm within yourself before you even step out the door.
By tending to your emotions with the same urgency you apply to your errands, you might find that your list becomes less daunting, and the troubles that seemed to be in lockstep beside you lose their footing.
After all, isn't the quality of your journey through life—not just the hustle to the next checkpoint—what's truly important?