Take Comfort In Reason
“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”
—Marcus Aurelius
Meditations
You know that knot of anxiety you get in your stomach when you start worrying about what’s to come?
Marcus reminds us that such worries are unnecessary. He tells us to trust in the tools we already possess—reason and rationality—to handle the unknowns.
Just as these tools help you navigate the challenges and decisions of today, they will be there to guide you in the future. Consider how you've solved problems or made tough decisions recently. Aren’t those same skills available to you at any time? We often underestimate our own resilience and the power of a clear, reasoned mind when faced with uncertainty.
What's important is to live in the present and not get swept away by the 'what ifs' of tomorrow. By focusing on the strength of your reasoning as your go-to weapon, you can face the future with a sense of calm preparedness.
Think about the last time you braced for something that never happened. How much energy did you waste worrying? Next time you find yourself fretting about the future, pause and ask yourself: Have I not handled challenges before?
Reflect on your past successes and let that reassure you—you're more equipped than you think to deal with whatever comes your way.