The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions.

Strong feeling is not the fault. Wanting, anger, hunger and longing are part of being alive, and cutting them out leaves you smaller rather than calmer. What changes everything is who is holding the reins. A feeling you have looked at and decided what to do with becomes fuel, while the same feeling unexamined drives you somewhere you never chose.

Notice one emotion this week that usually decides for you. Name it while it is happening, then wait a few minutes before you act. You are not trying to make it disappear, only to be the one who chooses.