…Is being able to acutely focus and worry about the things you can control, as opposed to the things you can’t.
I always laugh when I catch myself getting pissed that I’m in bad traffic (particularly when I’m running late to something). As if it’s happening to me. What kind of psycho takes being in traffic personally? Did these men close down a lane and begin working just to fuck with me? More importantly: is there anything–anything at all–I can do about being in traffic when I’m in it? No.
What can I do?
I can leave earlier next time to prepare for this possibility.
I can call/text whomever, tell them I’ll be late, and that I’m sorry.
I can play a podcast or an audiobook to take advantage of this time.
The ancient Chinese philosophy goes:
If you can’t do anything about it, there’s no use complaining;
If you can do something about it, do that thing.