The true power of this idea manifests when you start perceiving everyday occurrences differently. You quickly realize how little influence you have over many aspects of daily life. For instance, imagine waking up to heavy rain outside. Many people would feel annoyed, as they had intended to enjoy the beautiful sunny day. This frustration can permeate the entire day, negatively affecting their mood. However, a stoic perspective reveals that you cannot change the weather but can control how you approach it. In this example, adopting a certain level of acceptance can help you view the weather neutrally. Alternatively, you can find joy in the raindrops or make it a cozy day indoors, discovering the good in the situation.

Another example pertains to receiving bad news, such as the preferred political party losing an election. Although you may have had some conditional influence in this situation, becoming angry about the outcome is emotional baggage that serves no purpose, given that it is beyond your control.

Personally, I find the realization that we have no control over other people to be pivotal. If you observe an ordinary day with open ears and eyes, you’ll notice how frequently we emotionally harm one another. Many individuals attempt to impose their views and ideologies on others who don’t conform to their rules, often causing more suffering for themselves than for the other person. No matter how hard you try to be liked by everyone, convince someone of your opinions, or seek recognition, you ultimately have minimal influence over the thoughts, decisions, and ideas of others. Recognizing this can be discomforting for many, as we often crave control over various aspects of life. However, relinquishing this responsibility can also be incredibly liberating.