“We cry to God Almighty, how can we escape this agony? Fool, don’t you have hands? Or could it be God forgot to give you a pair? Sit and pray your nose doesn’t run! Or, rather just wipe your nose and stop seeking a scapegoat.” Epictetus, Discourses.

Bad things happen. Life’s not fair. Hopes and dreams can be dashed in an instant. We react emotionally in these moments, which is wholly natural and perfectly human.

But there comes a time when we have to put the emotions past us and think clearly about what we can do now. As a young person I always found it frustrating when older members of my family would respond to a disappointing situation with a statement such as ‘well, it is what it is’ or ‘we are where we are’. Yes, but I didn’t want to be there. Who’s view was realistic and helpful? Take control of what you can in your life and that begins with thinking clearly.