I have always known a few people who, at least on the surface, appear to have taken charge of their lives. They seem to know what they can control and what they cannot. They do not indulge in self-doubt. They do not procrastinate. They appear to have perfect marriages and problem-free children. They are helpful people, always ready to give me advice about how to get my own life in order. They would be wonderful company if they didn't make me feel like such a failure. But the real trouble is, I don't believe them.
The perfectly functioning people are always people I do not know very well.
--The Awakened Heart, Gerald May
