“This is why we say that nothing happens to the wise person contrary to their expectations.” Seneca, On Tranquility of Mind.

If you expect something to happen, and it comes to pass, then you’ll not be surprised by it, and so you are better able to manage your emotions in advance by using your experience and understanding. That is, of course, if you took the time to reflect on your earlier learning experience – to see it from all angles, to listen to others’ opinions about it, and to allow yourself the time to speak about it and to let logic take shape through the words you use. This includes challenging moments – the ones where you’d rather shut your eyes, close your ears and not mention that which shall not be mentioned.