Seneca noticed that we suffer more in imagination than in reality. We borrow tomorrow's troubles and pay interest on them today, rehearsing disasters that mostly never arrive. The mind treats a vivid fear as if it were already happening. But the difficulty you're dreading isn't here yet, and you'll have your full strength to meet it if it ever comes. Spending today's energy on an imagined tomorrow just leaves you tired for a battle that may not exist. When you catch yourself rehearsing the worst, you can gently note it: this hasn't happened. I'll handle it then, with what I have then. Right now, I'm alright.

Inspired by the old idea of we suffer more in imagination. Written by Ugo Charles.