“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” — Epictetus

How much of our mental energy is spent fretting over things we can’t control? If we’re honest, it’s a lot. The weather, the news, other people’s opinions, the passage of time—these are all out of our hands. And yet, we give them free rent in our minds.

I’ve come back to this quote from Epictetus many times, especially during seasons of uncertainty. It’s a timeless reminder that peace doesn’t come from fixing everything around us—it comes from mastering what’s within us.

Letting go isn’t giving up. It’s choosing to put our energy where it can actually make a difference.

Here are five ways to put this wisdom into practice today:

1.  Separate “Can Control” from “Can’t”

Write down a current worry. Then ask yourself: Is this within my control? If not, release it. If yes, identify one small step you can take.

2.  Limit Your Exposure

If watching the news or scrolling social media adds stress but not clarity, consider cutting back. You don’t have to be uninformed—you just don’t have to be overwhelmed.

3.  Practice “Response-Ability”

You can’t control the storm, but you can steer your ship. Focus on your attitude, your choices, your words. These are the levers of your life.

4.  Anchor in the Present

Worry pulls us into the future; peace lives in the present. Breathe deeply. Look around. Take in one beautiful detail right now.

5.  Choose Acceptance Over Resistance

Life will bring setbacks, surprises, and detours. Resisting reality only adds pain. Accepting it? That’s where power begins.

Happiness isn’t a prize at the end of perfect circumstances—it’s a mindset rooted in acceptance and action. Epictetus knew that thousands of years ago. And today, his wisdom still holds.

When we stop fighting battles we were never meant to win, we find strength we didn’t know we had. And in that strength, peace.