Good day, Stoics.
Don’t borrow tomorrow’s problems.
The Stoics practiced premeditatio malorum, the premeditation of evils. Adversity. Misfortune. Possible difficulties.
But there’s an important distinction.
The purpose wasn’t to worry about the future.
It was to become less afraid of it.
I’ve caught myself crossing that line before.
A little preparation quietly becomes a lot of rumination. Before long, I’m carrying the weight of conversations that haven’t happened, obstacles that haven’t appeared, and outcomes that may never exist.
That’s not preparation.
That’s borrowing tomorrow’s problems.
The Stoic aim isn’t to ignore the future.
It’s to prepare wisely, then return your attention to today.
That’s where your virtue can actually be practiced.
Stay steady.