Chapter 3: The Toolkit for Obstacles

“Never say ‘I have lost it’ about anything; instead, say ‘I have returned it.’ Is your business gone? It has simply been returned to where it came from.”

Edward: So I just accept whatever happens?

Juan: Don’t demand that the world plays by your script. Wish for things to happen exactly as they do. You’ll save yourself a lot of anxiety. Look at physical limitations. Being sick limits your body, not your will—unless you let it. Being injured limits your leg, not your mind. Apply that to every setback.

Edward: And when life throws a major curveball?

Juan: Look inside and see what tools you have in your kit. If you see temptation, pull out self-restraint. If you’re in pain, find your grit. If someone insults you, use patience. If you build these habits, life can’t ambush you anymore. And stop saying “I lost my job” or “I lost my money.” Say, “I gave it back.” It was never yours to keep anyway. The universe loaned it to you for a bit. While you have it, take care of it, but treat it like a hotel room you’re just staying in for the weekend.

Edward: But if I stop grinding 24/7, I’ll lose my income. If I don’t micromanage my team at work, they’ll screw up.

Juan: It is 100% better to live with less money and have total peace of mind than to be rich and living in constant anxiety. Let your team make mistakes. It’s better they fail a project than you lose your sanity. Start small: someone spills coffee on your paperwork? Tell yourself, “This is the price I pay for a calm mind. Nothing in this world is free.” When you call someone and they don’t reply, don’t let them have the power to ruin your mood. They aren’t that important.

Edward: People are going to think I’ve lost my edge if I start acting like this. They’ll think I’m stupid.

Juan: Let them. Be perfectly content looking clueless about office politics or pop culture. Don’t try to be an expert in everything. The minute you try to please the crowd or look like a VIP, you ruin your life’s foundation. You cannot chase external validation and internal peace at the same time. You have to pick a lane.

Edward: You’re saying I shouldn’t want anything from anyone?

Juan: Look, the person who can give you what you want, or take away what you’re afraid of losing—that person is your master. If you want to be completely free, stop wanting things from other people and stop fearing what they can do. Otherwise, you’re just a slave in a nice suit.