I read a tweet from Zen Fi that made me chuckle, “Our ancestors went through wars, famines, and disasters, and all we are asked to do is wash our hands, sit our asses down and watch Netflix.”
It puts things into perspective.
Not to minimize present circumstances, but instead of wringing your hands and worrying, look for opportunities during this period.
The Stoics emphasized taking a long view; don’t get wrapped up in things. For most, this “crisis” will be forgotten in years, if not months. Take things as they come and do your best with the circumstances as they actually exist.
Another core Stoic principle is to determine what you can and cannot control. What you can’t control are international events that have severely curtailed your ability to make a living. What you can control is how you are going to respond:
As the great Stoic philosopher (and Roman Emperor) Marcus Aurelius observed almost 2,000 years ago, “It’s all in how you perceive it. You’re in control. You can dispense with misperception at will, like rounding the point. Serenity, total calm, safe anchorage.” His reasoned voice came out of a time of perpetual crises, and he knew that it is not the crises that are our undoing but how we react to them.
Here we are 2,000 years later worrying about things that will likely be inconsequential two years from now. Instead, take the long view. Use your time wisely. Stand strong against the elements and be courageous. This, too, shall pass.