Epictetus: When you are going about any action, remind…

Much of frustration comes from expecting a public place, a family gathering, or a workday to run according to our private script. Epictetus recommends a simple antidote: rehearse the likely friction before you arrive. The airport will have lines. The meeting may include interruptions. Someone online may be rude. Your child may melt down when you are already late. Seeing these possibilities is not pessimism; it is preparation. When the inevitable inconvenience appears, you can say, Of course. This was always one of the possible prices of being here. Then you can decide how to act rather than acting surprised and offended. Before a difficult errand or conversation today, picture the ordinary annoyances that might come with it. Bring patience along in advance, instead of trying to find it after your temper has already gone.