Are We Shaped or Do We Shape Ourselves?
Part 3 of 3: Free Will and the Environment
“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.”
— Stephen R. Covey —
Have you ever looked at your life and wondered how much of it was your choice—and how much was influenced by where you came from?
The family we’re born into, the culture we grow up in, the expectations placed upon us—these things create the environment that surrounds us. Some people break free and carve out their own path, while others stay rooted, whether by choice, circumstance, or an invisible pull they don’t fully understand.
So, do we really have free will? Or are we just products of the environment that shaped us?
The Energy That Surrounds Us
Our environment isn’t just physical—it’s also invisible. It’s the beliefs we absorb, the way we’re raised, and the silent rules we learn to follow.
Some of us grow up in families that nurture independence, encouraging us to chase dreams and take risks.
Others are raised in environments that prioritise stability and tradition, making the idea of stepping outside the familiar feel impossible—or even wrong.
Some are held back by circumstances beyond their control, whether it’s financial hardship, cultural expectations, or the weight of other people’s fears.
And yet, we all know stories of people who break free—who defy the odds, step out of their expected roles, and create something entirely new.
A Real-Life Example: Oprah Winfrey and the Power of Free Will
Oprah Winfrey was born into poverty in rural Mississippi, raised by a teenage single mother, and endured a childhood filled with hardship. By all accounts, her environment should have dictated her future—one of struggle, limitation, and staying within the life she was born into.
But Oprah didn’t accept that narrative.
Her Personal Will pushed her to excel in school, develop her voice, and take every opportunity that came her way. She refused to be defined by her circumstances. When she was offered a traditional news anchor role, she realised it wasn’t the right fit—and took the bold risk of stepping into daytime television, where she could be herself.
This wasn’t just about luck. It was about recognising her strengths, understanding what she was meant to do, and summoning the courage to break free from the environment that could have held her back.
And yet, her success didn’t come from rejecting her past—it came from using it. Her struggles made her relatable, her experiences gave her depth, and her environment, rather than trapping her, became the foundation for her greatest strength.
So, Do We Have Free Will?
Yes—but it’s not always easy to access. Free Will exists when we truly understand ourselves. It’s the ability to:
Recognise our strengths and weaknesses.
Know what we are good at—and what drains us.
Understand the impact of our environment without letting it define us.
Make choices from a place of strength, not fear.
Not everyone breaks free from the Environment they were born into, and that’s not always a bad thing. Some people choose to stay because it brings them security and happiness. The difference is choice. Free Will is only real when we understand ourselves enough to decide—rather than simply follow the path laid out for us.
What’s Next?
This wraps up our three-part exploration of Free Will and Fate, but the conversation doesn’t end here. If you’ve been following along, here’s something to think about:
Have you ever felt trapped by your environment?
Have you made a choice that went against what was expected of you?
Are you living from a place of strength—or just following a path that feels safe?
Maybe Free Will isn’t about fighting our environment, or pretending it doesn’t shape us—but about learning when to let it guide us, and when to rise above it.
Footnote
I first became a student of astrology after encountering the many misconceptions surrounding it. What began as curiosity turned into a deeper study, revealing a nuanced system far removed from the simplistic stereotypes often portrayed.
Thank you for reading. I hope you found it enjoyable.