I read the quote commonly attributed to Mark Twain that says: “The world owes you nothing, it was here first.” This quote is so revealing, and so true in many circumstances, and we can replace the word world with anything or any person. Even when you have done your best, with your best intentions, the results may be different from what you envisioned.

Our intention, therefore, is to strive to do what we can, with what we have, where we are, and based on our values. When we have done our best, we should then be able to appreciate the effort without stressing about the results. Then, if we get what we thought we would achieve, we can rejoice in the moment. And if the result is different, we can also delight in the unpredictability of life. And with that, recommit to try again, for the joy of the work.