“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will” — Epictetus

Thoughts on Today’s Quote

Are you a person who worries about everything?

I’ve met people like that. It’s like they live to worry and stew about the most mundane of items.

Solve one worry and that sparks another worry. As soon as I figure out that is what a person is like, I stop trying to help and let them figure out their own solutions.

Trying to help a chronic worrier, is to make yourself into a worrier on their behalf.

Here’s the reality, sometimes crap happens and it is out of your control.

When I was hospitalized earlier this year the doctor would come in and advise me what the latest findings were and what action she wanted to take to deal with my illness. I would take in what she said, asked what questions came to mind. Expressed what concerns I had. If she could address the concerns, she did.

She smiled on several occasions as I would accept what needed to happen with a calm “It is what it is.”

There was zero sense in worrying about whatever treatment was going to occur. My options were the treatment or continued illness or getting worse. I was there to get better so, there was only one option and I accepted that.

I think in the long run, I probably aided my own healing by not stressing myself over what I couldn’t change or control.

If the people I know who worry so much could calm their minds enough to let go of the worry over what they can’t control and just accept that things will happen they can’t plan for or control, they would find their minds at much greater peace.

It is in that peace they would find happiness.

Who is Epictetus?

Epictetus was born in Turkey in 55AD. He spent most of his life as a slave to a wealthy Roman politician in Rome.

His owner allowed him to study Stoic philosophy. Around 68AD following the death of Emperor Nero he obtained his freedom and began teaching philosophy. In 83AD the Emperor Domitian banished all philosophers from Rome.

Epictetus went to Greece where he founded a philosophy school. He taught that philosophy was a way of life, not just a theoretical discipline. External events were beyond the control of the individual and should be accepted calmly. He believed individuals were responsible for their own actions and they should examine and control their actions through self-discipline.

There are no known writings of Epictetus but one of his pupils, Arrian, transcribed and compiled his teachings into Discources. Four of the discources have survived. Epictetus died in 135AD

*I will try to find information on the author of the quotes I share. I wont always be successful.

Don’t know about you, but I find it interesting to know who the person was that anyone took the time to record or quote that person.*

About Coffee Time Meditation

I love being inspired by other people’s quotes. I thought I’d start sharing some quotes that inspire me along with my own thoughts the quote evokes within me. So, think of someone, like me, sitting quietly with the first fresh coffee of the day and mediating about the words of the quote. That would be me, or it could be you.

I invite you to share your own thoughts on the quote in the comments.

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Have a great day
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