“Accept what fate gives you

outside of your own power of choice.” 

Marcus Aurelius wrote the above. As Buddhists, we also speak of acceptance. There are things we cannot change, like decisions made by others. But there are things we can change—our mindset and habits, for example. By accepting that we cannot control or change what others are doing, we can stop wasting time fussing over them.

Try telling yourself this: What’s the point! Fussing will change nothing. I am wasted. My energy is drained. And time, so little of it available, is gone. Yes, I will accept. No more fussing, no more wasting of time. Instead, I will use it to work on things I want to work on, things within my power to change. Like all those pesky bad habits! I will no longer be negative. I will exude a positive frame of mind. Yes, the things over which I have the power to change have proven unyielding in the past, but I am not giving up. I am just as determined as they are stubborn.  

Miles ahead of pointless fussing.