Whenever something happens to you, ask yourself: what strength do I have to deal with this? If you meet an attractive person, you'll need self-control. If you feel pain, you'll need courage. If someone insults you, you'll need patience. Make this a habit. Then life's events won't overwhelm you.
Upon every accident, remember to turn toward yourself and inquire what faculty you have for its use. If you encounter a handsome person, you will find continence the faculty needed; if pain, then fortitude; if reviling, then patience. And when thus habituated, the phenomena of existence will not overwhelm you.