"人生はコントロールできない。"

Life is unpredictable. We all know it, yet it can be hard to accept. The truth is, no matter how much we plan, dream, or prepare, we simply can't control everything that happens to us. This idea reminds us to let go of the illusion of control and embrace the flow of life as it comes.

Think about it. We've all had moments when things didn't go as planned. Maybe you meticulously planned a vacation, only to have it derailed by bad weather. Or perhaps you worked hard for a promotion that ended up going to someone else. These scenarios highlight how life can throw curveballs our way, despite our best efforts.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Consider the global pandemic that began in 2020. No one saw it coming. It disrupted plans, careers, and daily routines worldwide. People's lives were turned upside down as countries went into lockdown, businesses closed, and social interactions became limited. It was a stark reminder that we can't foresee every challenge or obstacle.

Now, how do we apply this wisdom to our lives? First, practice flexibility. When things don't go as planned, rather than getting frustrated, look for alternative paths. Maybe you didn't get that job you wanted—what other opportunities are out there? Secondly, embrace the present. Instead of obsessing over an unknown future, focus on what you can do now. Lastly, cultivate resilience. Life will inevitably have its ups and downs, but how you respond to these changes can make all the difference.

Imagine this: You’re a student who has spent months preparing for a major exam. You’ve got your study guides, you’ve attended every class, and you’ve even given up weekends to study. On the day of the exam, you wake up with a severe migraine. You can barely concentrate, and despite your preparation, you don't perform as well as you hoped. Frustrating, right? But here’s the thing—you did everything within your control. It’s okay to feel disappointed, but beating yourself up won’t change the outcome. Instead, recognize your hard work and prepare for the next opportunity.

Let's get personal. I remember a time when I was determined to run a marathon. I trained for months, sticking to a rigorous schedule. On the day of the race, I woke up to pouring rain—a torrential downpour. I was devastated. I had a choice: run in miserable conditions or find another race. I opted for the latter. I found another marathon a few months later and ran it under perfect weather conditions. The delay turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

In our day-to-day lives, we can apply this understanding by letting go of the need to control every detail. It’s about finding a balance between planning and going with the flow. Make plans, set goals, but stay open to the unexpected. If life throws you a curveball, catch it and see where it leads. The more we practice this, the more we can enjoy the journey without being bogged down by the bumps along the way.

So next time something doesn't go as planned, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that you can't control every aspect of life—and that’s perfectly okay. Embrace the unpredictability. In the end, it’s all part of the adventure.