“The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today. The whole future lies in uncertainty: live immediately.”
Seneca
“Ask yourself: Does this appearance (of events) concern the things that are within my own control or those that are not? If it concerns anything outside your control, train yourself not to worry about it.”
Epictetus
“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this and you will find strength.”
Marcus Aurelius
“When I see an anxious person, I ask myself, what do they want? For if a person wasn’t wanting something outside of their control, why would they be stricken by anxiety?”
Epictetus
“The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.”
Marcus Aurelius
“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters. When something happens, the only thing in your power is your attitude toward it; you can either accept it or resent it.”
Epictetus
“Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view which they take of them.”
Epictetus
“Don’t demand or expect that events happen as you would wish them do. Accept events as they actually happen. That way, peace is possible.”
Epictetus
“Don’t let your reflection on the whole sweep of life crush you. Don’t fill your mind with all the bad things that might still happen. Stay focused on the present situation and ask yourself why it’s so unbearable and can’t be survived.”
Marcus Aurelius
“Freedom and happiness are won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control.”
Epictetus
Top Tip
Why not research and create a scrapbook of your favourite practical wisdom quotes?
When you notice your mind spiralling, try reviewing your scrapbook to reduce your anxiety.
