This Too Shall Pass

?Adages are like mental sticky notes—short, memorable phrases that help you navigate the chaos of daily life. One of my favorites comes from a blend of Persian poetry and the poem "Solomon's Seal" by Edward Fitzgerald: "This too shall pass."

Over the years, my mentor and I gave this phrase a little upgrade to make it more actionable: "For this I am grateful, and this too shall pass."

At first glance, "this too shall pass" can feel a bit apathetic. It’s a criticism I’ve seen aimed at Stoicism in general—that distancing yourself from emotional highs and lows makes life seem a little too... beige. But I don’t see it that way. It’s not about numbing yourself; it’s about learning to keep your emotional momentum in check and bringing it toward the center. Letting the highs carry you too far makes it easy to ignore potential challenges. Staying stuck in the lows can lead to cynicism or paralysis.

Here’s where gratitude makes all the difference. By starting with "For this I am grateful," you create a habit of finding the silver lining in any situation. On the good days, gratitude comes easy. Your kid’s first word? Grateful you were there to hear it. Your team wins the championship? Grateful to share in the celebration. Even the mundane stuff—like having fresh coffee within arm’s reach—deserves a nod of thanks. Building this "gratitude muscle" during the normal and good times makes it easier to flex when life gets tough.

And tough times will come. That’s where the second half—"this too shall pass"—offers hope. A mountain of work? Grateful for the billable hours. A sick kid? Grateful for modern medicine. A mistake that costs you? Painful, sure, but you’ve learned something valuable. Gratitude shifts your mindset, helping you find your footing even when the ground feels shaky.

So why not try it? Next time you’re riding high or slogging through the trenches, pause and say, "For this I am grateful, and this too shall pass." It’s not magic, but it might just help you reframe the moment. And if it works for you—or if you have your own favorite mantra—drop me a note. Let’s share some wisdom amid the chaos.

Will MacFee is the CEO of Systems Support in Marshfield, MA.