Unpredictability and change is the law the governs the events we experience every day. We cannot predict, influence, or prevent them. 

But does that make us slaves to randomness and chaos? 

No. While we cannot influence the universe, we can influence how we respond to it. And it is how we chose to react to the hand we are dealt, which sets our lives down our individually unique paths.

However, many live with only the illusion of autonomy over our reactions. We allow negative experiences to "make" us emotional, angry, and confrontational. In turn, we take rash action and project our emotions, often causing confrontations; creating unnecessary pain and suffering for both ourselves and others. 

Knowing how to react to emotionally charging events opens the gate to true autonomy over your life. It can protect your mental health, help you make logical decisions, and save your relationships from conflict and turmoil brought on by your hand. 

It was a skill revered by the stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, and today, you, too, will take the first steps to cultivate it; for the sake of yourself, your life, and those who mean the most to you.