Beyond my control Quote by Sylvia Boorstein
![“Everything is always changing. "There is a cause-and-effect lawfulness that governs all unfolding experience. "What I do matters, but I am not in charge. Suffering results from struggling with what is beyond my control. [pp. 27-28]” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c97/sylvia-boorstein-7241_beyond-my-control_everything-is-always-changing-there-is-a_2155573.jpg)
““Everything is always changing. "There is a cause-and-effect lawfulness that governs all unfolding experience. "What I do matters, but I am not in charge. Suffering results from struggling with what is beyond my control. [pp. 27-28]””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Buddhist Book of Living and Dying, Sylvia Boorstein, 2005
Life is in constant flux, governed by cause and effect; our actions matter but we cannot control everything, and suffering arises from resisting the uncontrollable.
In simple terms: Change is constant; we act but lack full control; resistance causes suffering.
Key Takeaway
Accept change, act responsibly, let go of resistance.
Themes
impermanence
responsibility
acceptance
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- stress management
- spiritual practice
- relationship dynamics
Key Concepts
Buddhist philosophy
cause and effect
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you act responsibly without over‑controlling?
- What does letting go of resistance feel like?
A Different Perspective
Even with acceptance, uncertainty can still cause anxiety.
![“... every single act we do has the potential of causing pain, and every single thing we do has consequences that echo way beyond what we can imagine. It doesn't mean we shouldn't act. It means we should act carefully. Everything matters [p. 41].” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5ab/sylvia-boorstein-7241_quote_every-single-act-we-do-has-the-potential_75621.jpg)
![“... freedom of choice is possible. Life is going to unfold however it does: pleasant or unpleasant, disappointing or thrilling, expected or unexpected, all of the above! What a relief it would be to know that whatever wave comes along, we can ride it out with grace [p. 35].” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/340/sylvia-boorstein-7241_choice_freedom-of-choice-is-possible-life-is-go_122468.jpg)
![“I love the phrase 'I am not afraid!' Maybe it's the best phrase we can say, other than 'I have everything I need.' Maybe they are the same. [p. 14]” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f28/sylvia-boorstein-7241_fear_i-love-the-phrase-i-am-not-afraid-maybe_356864.jpg)
![“... life is difficult and painful, just by its very nature, not because we're doing it wrong [pp. 17-18].” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c2a/sylvia-boorstein-7241_life_life-is-difficult-and-painful-just-by-it_369102.jpg)
