We all like to be in control. We wonder why people don’t see things our way. We feel it’s unfair when the world seems to be against us. The problem here is not someone or something else, it’s us.
The stoic philosophers, like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, wrote about the dichotomy of control. Essentially, they direct us to focus only on things that we can control, while accepting things outside of our control as fate.
COVID-19 is a global pandemic. Most of what’s happening is entirely out of our individual control, but the news cycle, showing death and despair, commands us to worry endlessly. This is not useful and does not help us feel well or productive.
What each of us can control right now (and always) is our responsible action for society. Choosing to isolate ourselves, only venturing out for essential items, heeding the advice of our top health officials. This is our duty now. It’s not hard. And, although we may feel confined or frustrated, there will be a tremendous sense of meaning in our small contributions, for the good of us all.
Be well.
Thanks for the inspiring and important message – people need more of that.