“What then should a man have in readiness in such circumstances? What else than this? What is mine, and what is not mine; and what is permitted to me, and what is not permitted to me… Must I then also lament? I must go into exile. Does any man then hinder me from going with smiles and cheerfulness and contentment?” — Epictetus, Discourses 1.1 (George Long)

Micro-Lesson#

The end of Phase II is the realization that calm under pressure is not a mood — it is a decision made in advance. Epictetus tells his students to keep the question “What is mine to do?” loaded and ready, the way a soldier keeps a weapon clean. You will not rise to the occasion; you will fall to the level of your preparation. Prepare.

Exercise (15 min)#

Write, in one sentence each, the answer to: If I lose my job, what is mine to do? If a loved one falls ill, what is mine to do? If I am publicly criticized this week, what is mine to do? Read the three answers aloud once.

Journal Prompt#

What is mine to do, right now, that I have been postponing — and what am I waiting for?