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Hearing the phrase "we are products of our environment" makes me think of being a victim of circumstances. Are we truly products of our environment? I believe it depends on the person, the situation and that person's determination.

Our environment does have the power to influence aspects of us but it does not have to define our entire existence if we do not want it to. Some people choose to become products of their circumstance or environment or they simply become what they are surrounded with because they do not know any better. Other people make the choice to break free from all that they are surrounded with and to make a better life for themselves.

Take domestic violence for example. Two people can experience the exact same circumstances and come out of it with totally different views on life. Some abuse victims become consumed by the negative, they expect bad things to happen and they appear to be pessimistic or paranoid. Others also have the tendency to be consumed by the negative but they struggle to see the positive in things, they may experience the bad but they cling to the good and strive to be optimistic/ trusting despite it all.

You can grow up in a bad neighborhood and still be successful, bad things can happen to you and around you but they don't have to ruin you. It is all a matter of conscious choice.

We are most certainly influenced by our environments but they do not have to define who we become if we don't want them to. Ultimately we make the choice.

Learn more about this author, Talina Norris.
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