this article is an unusual one in that it goes against the usual line of taking ownership and responsibility over one’s life. the idea that we can control our own fate and results that we receive was, personally, an empowering idea. i thought that any other perspective would be less helpful and perhaps even discouraging to get through each day. but, i see that if we set to achieve highly aspirational ideas, it would set us up for disappointment. thanks for the reminder to appreciate the vicissitudes of reality and life, and to take them into consideration in my (more grounded and specific) goal planning.