“As you move forward along the path of reason, people will stand in your way. They will never be able to keep you from doing what’s sound, so don’t let them knock out your goodwill for them. Keep a steady watch on both fronts, not only for well-based judgements and actions, but also for gentleness with those who would obstruct our path or create other difficulties. For getting angry is also a weakness, just as much as abandoning the task or surrendering under panic. For doing either is an equal desertion – the one by shrinking back and the other by estrangement from family and friend.” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.
Keep your emotions in balance. It is possible to experience several emotions all at the same time: anger and sadness, joy and fear. Recognise what behaviours these prompt in you – the desire to escape (flight) or to dominate that which presents the challenge (fight). Always look for the path between the two and remember that emotions are in the here-and-now and not predictors of the future.
