Lots of folks talk about the influence of genetics, nurture, environment, psychological trauma, or other exogenous phenomena as being deterministic in how we act. These things are certainly persuasive and sometimes difficult to combat, but free will is a stronger power, and it’s something we all wield. The only question is what we want to do with it.
In another post I’ve mentioned how people will wake up super early for a flight to a fun destination, smile convincingly through a bad mood at a business function, or stay up to ridiculous hours when the pillow talk is mesmerizing. There are always forces that will attempt to overwhelm our decision making ability: chronic pain, massive trauma, deep insecurity, psychological panic, to name a few biggies. We can choose to laugh when all circumstances are saddening; we can choose to love during times of great loss; we can choose to hug instead of hit. This does not attempt to alter the underlying feelings or state of mind, rather it trumps internal noise with the outcome best achieved. I call this being the captain of your ship. No matter the waves, no matter the mutinous voices of the crew, you are the one in charge and must choose what is best for the vessel.
So whether you want to disregard hunger pangs to drop some weight, or need to ignore some sabotaging internal forces that are destroying a relationship, the choice is yours. It’s called free will for a reason. The captain does what’s best for the ship and will be judged by the outcome ultimately achieved. You have the power to act in any way you want, so choose wisely.
