We can always think clearly, respond creatively. Look for opportunity, seize the initiative.
What we can’t do is control the world around us–not as much as we’d like to, anyway. We might perceive things well, then act rightly, and fail anyway.
Run it through your head like this: Nothing can ever prevent us from trying. Ever.
All creativity and dedication aside, after we’ve tried, some obstacles may turn out to be impossible to overcome. Some actions are rendered impossible, some paths impassable. Some things are bigger than us.
This is not necessarily a bad thing. Because we can turn that obstacle upside down, too, simply by using it as an opportunity to practice some other virtue or skill–even if it is just learning to accept that bad things happen, or practicing humility.
It’s an infinitely elastic formula: In every situation, that which blocks our path actually presents a new path with a new part of us.
We have it within us to be the type of people who try to get things done, try with everything we’ve got and, whatever verdict comes in, are ready to accept it instantly and move on to whatever is next.
* Source: The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday