An Australian woman survived two bites from a blue-ringed octopus last week.

So at least your morning is likely going better.

The blue-ringed octopus is one of the most venomous creatures in the world. Its venom is more toxic than that of any land mammal, and it can cause paralysis and death within minutes. Recently, a woman in her 30s was bitten by a blue-ringed octopus while swimming on Sydney’s north shore. This incident is a perfect example of how stoics approach difficult situations. Instead of complaining and dwelling on the negative aspects of the situation, stoics focus on the fact that the woman survived the bites and was treated by competent paramedics. Stoics may also focus on the beauty of its iridescent blue rings and its place in the ecosystem, or acknowledge that humans are not the only beings on this planet and that all creatures have a right to exist.

Until they got stung, I imagine.

In life, we all face challenges and unexpected events that can throw us off balance. Some people choose to complain and focus on the negatives, while others take a more stoic approach and find strength in adversity. Stoicism is a philosophy that teaches individuals to focus on what they can control and accept what they cannot. It also emphasizes the importance of self-control and rational thinking. Life is unpredictable and that bad things can happen to anyone at any time, and it is not what happens to us that matters, but how we react to it. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, stoics focus on the positives and find ways to move forward. They would use this experience as a reminder to appreciate life and not take anything for granted.

Always dive with a buddy.