What Can I Control?

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, the Chariot; from the Gemstone Oracle, Picasso Jasper:

It is not possible

To control all external events

But, if I simply control my mind,

What need is there to control other things?

—Shantideva

I thought it insane that the artist would use the aggressive swan and a rat (known to eat bird eggs and baby birds) together for the Chariot. But when we're trying to move forward, it can feel just as crazy - as if everything outside of us is working at opposite purposes. Yet the words of Shantideva encourage us to train the mind rather than trying to control external situations. My thoughts are what will cause me to give up prematurely way before any outside thing brings me to a complete halt. Picasso Jasper represents conflict and the desire for resolution. If I go into a situation thinking that my opinion is the only right one and no one else brings any wisdom to the table, there won't be much accomplished. Dale Partridge puts this in perspective: "Remember, confrontation is about reconciliation and awareness, not judgment or anger." If I want things to move forward, I need to be openminded enough to realize I don't know everything and that perhaps there are those who can fill in my gaps.