"No supongas que estás herido y tu queja cesa. Cesa tu queja y no estás herido."

This quote is all about the power of perception and attitude. It's suggesting that sometimes, what we consider to be hurts or grievances are more about our mindset than the actual events. If you decide that something isn’t hurting you, the pain often diminishes. And if you stop complaining about something, you might find that the issue itself vanishes or seems a lot smaller.

To get why this is profound, you need to think about when this idea might come up. Maybe a friend said it to you when you were moaning about a tough day at work. Or, it could crop up in a philosophy text about stoicism. It’s the kind of thing a wise old mentor might impart when you're dwelling on a problem that you have the power to change.

Picture this: You’re training for a marathon. You hit mile 15, and your legs are screaming. Every step feels like a hammer to your knees. You think, "This is unbearable, I’m injured." But what if you changed that thought to, "I’m strong, I can push through this pain"? What if you stopped whining about the pain and focused on the finish line? Runners who do this often find they can push past perceived limits. The pain is there, yes, but their brain isn’t amplifying it. They don’t feel "hurt" in the same way.

So, how can you use this idea in your life? Start by catching yourself when you’re complaining. Complaints are often a sign that you’re seeing something as a problem. Try flipping the script. Instead of saying, “This meeting is so boring,” think, “This is a chance to practice patience.” It’s not about ignoring real issues—if you’re genuinely hurt, take care of it. But so many of our everyday gripes are about perspective.

Imagine you're at a family gathering. You love your family, but Aunt Jane’s constant questions about your love life drive you nuts. Every year, you leave feeling irritated and hurt. Next time, don’t suppose that her questions are an attack. Maybe she’s just curious or trying to connect in the only way she knows how. Smile, give her a polite answer, and move on. You might find that your frustration evaporates.

Or think about work complaints. We’ve all had that one co-worker who does nothing but gripe about their workload. You probably avoid them, right? Don’t be that person. When you catch yourself about to whine, pause. Reframe your thoughts. Instead of, “Ugh, this project is never-ending,” try, “This project is challenging, but I’m learning a lot.”

In essence, this quote is a reminder that our thoughts have power. They can turn a minor annoyance into a major grievance or a challenging situation into a growth opportunity. It’s not about ignoring real pain or problems but rather about recognizing the role our mindset plays in how we experience life.

So next time you’re tempted to complain, think about this: What if the issue isn’t the situation, but your perspective on it? What if you could change your experience by changing your mind? Try it—you might just find that you’re not as hurt as you thought.