How to Accept Life as It happens: The Stoic Path to a Smooth Life

“Do not ask things to happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do happen, and your life will go smoothly.”

Epictetus, The Handbook, 8

How can we learn to accept life as it happens? This quote from Epictetus cuts straight to the heart of Stoicism and helps us to answer this question. We all make plans: career goals, personal ambitions, expectations for how things “should” go. Yet how often do things follow that script?

Read our article on How to Make Progress Like a Stoic for more related content to this quote.

Epictetus reminds us that the root of much frustration comes from wanting life to happen our way, rather than accepting it as it happens. Ancient Stoics—and modern thinkers, such as Nietzsche—would call this embracing Amor Fati, the love of fate. It’s about welcoming life on its terms, not yours.

Interestingly, various translations of this passage give us more depth. Some versions end with, “and your life will go on well,” or “this is the path to peace,” while others say, “you will be content.” Each variation reinforces the same Stoic ideal: when you stop resisting reality, you cultivate inner calm.

Applying Epictetus’ Advice in Modern Life

Let’s face reality: obstacles aren’t optional. Fate will throw unexpected changes at you—job rejections, relationship struggles, financial hurdles. But it is your choice whether to resist them or respond with calm acceptance.

1. Shift your mindset: Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?”, say, “This is happening for me. How can I meet it with strength?”
2. Practice daily reflection: Keep a journal where you review situations where you wished things had gone your way—and reframe them.
3. Embrace unpredictability: The Stoics teach that peace doesn’t come from a perfect life, but from mastering your response to imperfections.

As I mentioned on the Via Stoica podcast, this quote reminds me of the John Lennon lyric, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” The Stoic takeaway? Drop the illusion of control, and step into the calm strength that acceptance brings.

🔗 Want to explore more Stoic strategies? Book a free consultation with one of our Stoic Coaches or read more on the Epictetus Quotes page. Or listen to the Via Stoica Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or watch it on YouTube.