Posted on February 1, 2022

"If there is anything that Stoicism trains people to do it is to monitor their own reactions and reflect critically on how they perceive and interpret the world."

—Massimo Pigliucci, How to Be a Stoic

Situations and circumstances may cause different emotions in us. Our feelings, however, are based on how we consciously choose to react to such emotions. This happens through monitoring our reactions: why am I having this feeling, is there another way to react to this emotion, does feeling this way will make me feel better in the end?

These reflections turn easier with time, but also by investing some mental effort on how we interpret the world. By recognizing what are the things that affect us, that are really not under our control, we can start mutating the feelings we have about them. I’m sure it’s easier said than done, but I’m positive it’s not impossible. In my case, the feeling of disappointment is one that hits me harder than it should. When I have high expectations about something that just doesn’t become a reality, it’s hard for me to separate my feelings from the fact that I can’t do anything about it. Still, I believe critical reflection is ideal, and I’ll keep trying to do so every time I can, because I want to, and because I can.