The point of this quote is that it is not an event by itself that results in stress or distress. What you tell yourself about an event will determine your feelings – positive or negative. Here are some examples of how statements in our mind can result in emotions:

The words we use in our mind to define and describe a person, place, or thing are called self-talk. A well-known clinical psychologist by the name of Dr. Albert Ellis supports this theory. He came up with ten types of self-talk that he suggests are in conflict with reality. His theory tells us that when we choose to repeat to ourselves statements or language that are not in line with reality, we experience distress and emotional upset that may not be necessary.

Answers:

1-E, 2-H, 3-D, 4-I, 5-F, 6-J, 7-G, 8-B, 9-A, 10-C