There have been real losses over the last few months, and more lay ahead. People you know may die. Businesses will close. Clients have disappeared. Years of gains have evaporated from the market. 

This was not your fault. You work hard. You pay your taxes and your insurance premiums. You follow the law. So you should be good, right?

That’s what many people seem to think. It’s a natural reaction—especially when you hear the promises of politicians. Checks are coming in the mail, they say. We’ve passed a bailout. Hang tight, we’re coming to help!

A Stoic knows not to count on any of this. Not just because a Stoic tries to be self-reliant, but also because a Stoic is realistic. Fortune is the most powerful force on earth. She acts as she pleases, Seneca says, and she cares little for our plans or notions of what is fair. There is no government or insurance company rich enough or powerful enough to counteract this. There is no bubble you can get inside, or body armor you can put on, that can possibly prevent you from ever having to experience loss and pain. No, loss and pain are facts of life. 

Remember Epictetus and Marcus: Instead of sitting around hoping for someone to fix this or make it right, try to find a way to come to terms with what has happened. Instead of expecting someone to come and relieve you, try to be the source of your own relief. Focus on the good you still have… focus on the good you can still do. 

That’s all we got. That’s the only way we’ll ever be whole again.

P.S. This was originally sent on April 29, 2020. Sign up today for the Daily Stoic’s email and get our popular free 7-day course on Stoicism.