In this new year, I want to bring a quote to your attention:
Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself. ~ Marcus Aurelius
At first glance, the quote seems to say that we should allow others to do whatever they like and accept it but restrict ourselves from action. But the quote is deeply connected to equanimity.
Sometimes, we want the people in our lives or around us to act and speak in a specific way, and we can get frustrated when that doesn’t happen. The quote reminds us that the only control we have is the control over our own bodies, minds, and actions. We can only govern what comes from us and must release the need to control others.
So much of our stress comes from trying to control others and situations. It’s a reminder that we are the captains of our own ships, and it is our job to navigate the sea of life around the other ships in the sea.
Again, this quote does not tell us to allow people to do what they want to us. It tells us to manage our actions and reactions to others and live for ourselves alone. People around us will do and say what they want, and it is up to us to decide whether those actions align with what we want in our lives or if we need to remove ourselves.
In 2025, let’s learn to tolerate those around us but be strict with what we allow. My mantra for the year: If it doesn’t align, walk away, it’s fine.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Look Within 