Accept what you cannot change from "summary" of Art of Living by Epictetus,Sharon Lebell
Epictetus teaches us that in life, there are certain things that are beyond our control. These are things such as the actions of others, the weather, and even our own bodies. No matter how much we may wish it were otherwise, we simply cannot change these aspects of reality. Despite our best efforts, we will never be able to alter the past or predict the future with absolute certainty. This is a fundamental truth that we must come to accept if we are to live in harmony with the world around us. By accepting what we cannot change, we free ourselves from the burden of trying to control the uncontrollable. We learn to let go of our attachment to outcomes and instead focus on the things that are within our power to influence. This shift in mindset allows us to approach life with a sense of calm and equanimity, rather than being constantly frustrated by circumstances beyond our control. We learn to accept the present moment for what it is, rather than longing for a reality that exists only in our minds. In this way, we are able to find peace and contentment in the midst of life's inevitable challenges and uncertainties. We come to understand that true happiness comes from within, and that we have the power to choose how we respond to the circumstances that come our way.- By accepting what we cannot change, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and potential for growth. We learn to embrace the beauty of life in all its complexity, rather than fighting against the inevitable tide of change.
