there is range that we are probably born with. we can only do our best given our circumstances, and try to achieve local maximums, at least on a "success" basis. there's no limit as to how we feel though. we can feel as good or as bad as we would like to whether we achieve the local maximum or drop to the local minimum.
our choices really do narrow as we grow older. my life really is not ahead of me any more. my potential, maybe, is just that. if i can't achieve this and that this life, well, another one. that's ok. and with narrowing choices, when we think we can choose between let's say actual dollars now and some unknown dollars in future, well, you have obligations so unknown dollars in the future isn't really a choice.
living for others is just generally happier than living for ourselves. it really does make it simpler.
