The Enchiridion, Section 9 — In Plain English

Epictetus — The Slave

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.

Epictetus — The Slave Original

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.

Epictetus — The Slave

Sickness gets in the way of your body, but not your will — unless you let it. A lame leg gets in the way of walking, but not your will. Say this to yourself about everything that happens to you. You'll find that things get in the way of something else, but not truly in the way of you.

Epictetus — The Slave Original

Sickness is an impediment to the body, but not to the will unless itself pleases. Lameness is an impediment to the leg, but not to the will; and say this to yourself with regard to everything that happens. For you will find it to be an impediment to something else, but not truly to yourself.