Every omen is favourable to the wise. . .

Donald's Commentary on The Handbook of Epictetus #18

When a raven croaks inauspiciously, let not the external impression carry you away, but straightway draw a distinction in your own mind, and say, “None of these portents are for me, but either for my paltry body, or my paltry estate, or my paltry opinion, or my children, or my wife. But for me every portent is favourable, if I so wish; for whatever be the outcome, it is within my power to derive benefit from it.”

Commentary

When you hear bad news do not allow yourself to be swept away by your initial impression of alarm but rather pause and take a step back from your thoughts and feelings. Immediately make a distinction between the events that befall you and your responses to them.