We think if we just try harder, think more, or help more, things will work out. But the truth is—we can’t control much. I’ve had to learn that over and over again. Even with good intentions, even when I do everything “right,” things don’t go the way I thought they would.

We believe we’re in control of ourselves, of others, of the world. But real life doesn’t work that way. It’s messy, uncertain, and full of unexpected outcomes. Most of what we think we understand—especially as academics—is squishy. We explain 10%, but 90% is unexplained.

So I’ve learned to step back. Stay in my tiny world. Be humble. Walk forward anyway. Even if I look like the bumbling fool, I get back up and keep going. That’s the best we can do—accept the world as it is, and keep showing up.