I noticed I started saying people were “a product of their environment” more often and it got me thinking.
There are people who believe that early programming is so engrained in them that there is no other way to live. I met people who, when I ask them about what they want in life, they tell me but then tell me the reasons why they can’t have it. The reasons are almost always connected to trauma, upbringing, environment they live in, etc.
In observation, it feels like people get trapped in a mental cycle and delusion that all that exists is what they have always known. What’s “comfortable” and known is all they deserve.
A friend was telling me about someone he knows who grew up in the foster care system and witnessed abuse growing up. This person has great ideas for changing the outcome for their children but still focuses on the subjects, systems and people who keep them as products of their environment. When my friend talks to him, all he hears is “I can’t. I can’t. I can’t.”
I believe that whatever you choose for your life is what you choose and I have no judgements. It makes me sad to see people with dreams not able to see their dreams through because of fear or the inability to shape themselves into whatever they want to be.
I use the words “product of their environment” not as a judgement but a way of describing how someone chose to carry forward in life. We are all products of something. You can be a product of social media, intense drive, corporate America… it just means the person you are is shaped by what you let soak in to create your personality and world.
Change is very difficult, especially when you can’t see what life will be like with every decision but the best thing is, you get to decide to change again if you don’t like it.
Look at your life and ask yourself, am I a product of my environment or am I creating my world to be exactly what I want it to be for my peace and happiness.
Be a product but make sure you’re a product of something you love.
I hope you are creating and loving your life!
Look Within 