I'd like to control every aspect of my life. This box for that feeling. That box for this feeling. I'd like to control every aspect of the lives of those around me. They do what they say they will. They never lie. They never hide things from me. And don't think I haven't given it my best shot.

But I learned an antidotal sidestep for the inevitable moments when my family or my friends or my life does not live up to my expectations: When you can't control the way things are, then change the way you look at it.

I try to let go of the anger. I try to let go of unrealistic standards. When I'm successful, I'm a little freer from my own rigidity. Which leaves me open to the unexpected. And that is not always a bad thing.