Enchiridion 9: Ability To Choose

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"Sickness is a hindrance to the body, but not to your ability to choose, unless that is your choice. Lameness is a hindrance to the leg, but not to your ability to choose. Say this to yourself with regard to everything that happens, then you will see such obstacles as hindrances to something else, but not to yourself." (Epictetus, Enchiridion 9)

Every situation we experience is accompanied by a choice on our part. Sickness is a sign that all is not well with the body. There is no choice when sickness comes to the body, but how does one "be" while sick? How does one think, interact with others? With a choice.

Sickness happens, but attitude does not. One's demeanor is chosen.

You are not your body.
You are not what you own nor are you what is lacking.
You are not your circumstances.
You are a human.
Being.

The choice of how you "be" is this: either consent, give in and let the situation define your identity, your character, your emotions; or, control your response despite that situation. Just because one is sick does not mean one may treat others rudely, angrily or with impatience. Life did not suddenly sour because you don't feel well.

Next time you don't feel well and it seems the world is going to end, look at those around you are having a good day. Clearly, what you feel is not universal. Sure our body feels gross, but we don't stop thinking. There's no reason to let something on the outside decide for you. You are not puppet.

It's not difficult to hear a mother say to a child, "I don't care how bad you feel! Sickness is no excuse to be mean!"

Here's a man who made a choice, who did not let circumstances dictate his identity:

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