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February 12th

PROTECT YOUR PEACE OF MIND

“Keep constant guard over your perceptions, for it is no small thing

you are protecting, but your respect, trustworthiness and

steadiness, peace of mind, freedom from pain and fear, in a word

your freedom. For what would you sell these things?”

—EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 4.3.6b–8

he dysfunctional job that stresses you out, a contentious relationship,
life in the spotlight. Stoicism, because it helps us manage and think
through our emotional reactions, can make these kinds of situations easier
to bear. It can help you manage and mitigate the triggers that seem to be so
constantly tripped.
But here’s a question: Why are you subjecting yourself to this? Is this
really the environment you were made for? To be provoked by nasty emails
and an endless parade of workplace problems? Our adrenal glands can
handle only so much before they become exhausted. Shouldn’t you preserve
them for life-and-death situations?
So yes, use Stoicism to manage these difficulties. But don’t forget to
ask: Is this really the life I want? Every time you get upset, a little bit of life
leaves the body. Are these really the things on which you want to spend that
priceless resource? Don’t be afraid to make a change—a big one.