We Give It Meaning
“Reason shows us there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”
—Seneca
Letters From A Stoic
What you experience in life—be that a missed train, a broken phone, or even a sudden rainstorm—doesn't inherently come with a label of 'good' or 'bad.' These are tags we assign based on how we interpret events.
The frustration from missing a train isn't embedded in the event itself; it's born from your reaction to it. What if, instead, that delay offers you an unexpected moment of reflection, or a chance encounter with an old friend also running late?
Take a moment to reflect on recent events you've labeled as 'bad.' Can you shift that perspective? By applying reason, you might find these moments are neutral, simply parts of the human experience.
Next time you're quick to judge a situation, pause and ask yourself, "Is this truly bad, or is it my thinking that makes it so?" This change in mindset can transform challenges into opportunities, and reduce the mental burden we often create for ourselves.
Imagine navigating life with the tranquility that comes from knowing the power to define your experience lies within you, not in the external world. How might this empower you to live more freely and with less stress?