Good day, @rok-sivante :) I read, and liked, your post last night but was too brain-fried to comment...
You cover a lot of ground here, brother, and the first thing that comes to mind (which you hint at) is that the obstacle is the way
When I first encountered this it gave me pause for thought, as I'm especially susceptible to truth in paradox.
Curve balls, are Life's reminder to stay humble, and flexible, and unattached. She wants us limber like dancers :)
May we try to expect the unexpected (or, at least, not come undone by it). Now, Stoic philosophy comes to mind and how it advises us to brace ourself for the worst at all turns, so that we practice preparedness.
Nicely-stated. (As usual.) :-)
🙇🏻♂️✨