The ability to shape our life path is a tantalizing prospect. We are willing to make great sacrifices to become the masters of our lives.

Incidentally, the beginning of our life is out of our control. It is our parent’s decision or, sometimes, pure coincidence. We do not have a chance to ask to be here.

For quite some time after being introduced to the world, our influence over our own life is limited. It is someone else directing our journey.

Later, a moment comes when we believe we have the power to finally be in command of our destiny, but the reality is a bit different. Yes, we are brave and bold. Yes, we work hard and meticulously plan ahead. Yes, we think we are ready. Still, all the preparations we make are not enough to ensure the life path we think we want, because fortune has some say in our affairs. It guides us toward one of several courses of life, and we suddenly find ourselves living an unexpected life.

Some courses offer a smooth, balanced, and long life. Some introduce us to a life that is bright and promising initially, but plagued by disproportional pain and suffering later on. Some lead us through a life that burns quickly, resembling a shooting star, and some leave us with many battle scars.

Even though some courses are more desirable than others, all lead to the same place at the end of our journey.