A calmer day often starts before the day starts. We take Marcus Aurelius’ blunt morning mantra—expect interference, ingratitude, insolence, disloyalty, ill will, and selfishness—and turn it into a practical routine that lowers anger, strengthens boundaries, and grows compassion. Instead of waiting to be blindsided by messy human behavior, we walk through how to anticipate it, name it on contact, and choose a response that protects your peace without slipping into cynicism.