I saw a young man standing before his mirror, polishing his beard and adjusting his cloak because he feared the crowd would see him as poor. He asked why I did not tell him to earn more gold. I told him that the gold is outside his control, just as the wind is outside the hands of a sailor. If you focus on the weather, you will always be wet. If you focus on holding your oars steady, you may sink or survive, but your effort remains yours alone. Stop polishing the reflection and start cleaning the deck.

Tonight, go to the person who wronged you and do not wish them harm, for that is their business. Do not wish they loved you, for love is theirs to give or withhold. Instead, wish only that you remain unharmed in your own choice, even if they spit on you. When the storm comes, do not fight the rain; learn to wear your cloak and keep your eyes on the path beneath your feet.